ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-10866
Open Date: 16/06/2021 17:08 CEST
Closing Date: 31/08/2021 13:00 CEST

The activity aims at demonstrating the concept of life-cycle monitoring via embedded sensors in a CFRP space structure with the following main tasks:- Identify space CFRP structural component(s) to be studied (e.g. sandwich panel, strut, cylindrical/conical barrel etc.) and its operational environment (applications for re-usability are preferred).- Identify key parameters to be monitored that will be used to assess the composite component performance during its life-cycle (e.g. strain, temperature, water content, etc.).- Identify measuring system(s) able to measure and record the key parameters and that can be integrated within the component while it is manufactured. Compatibility of the electronic components with space environment is preferred but not required; lightweight solutions shall be preferred.- Develop the process to integrate the monitoring system in the CFRP material. The integration of the sensing system shall not have a detrimental effect on the main performance and integrity of the structural material.- Design a CFRP component with the integrated monitoring system as well as means of data acquisition with minimal interference to AIT activities and minimized mass.- Manufacture the CFRP component with embedded monitoring system.- Demonstrate the system in a laboratory environment for: (i) manufacturing process monitoring; (ii) monitoring during transportation and storage; (iii) monitoring during assembly processes; (iv) monitoring during tests representative of a space qualification campaign.By the end of the activity, the technology shall be demonstrated in a laboratory environment to TRL 4.

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Contracts Officer: Gian Lorenzo Casini
Initiating Service: TEC-MSP
IP Measure: N/A
Prog. Reference: E/0901-01 – Technology Developme
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+EL+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 20-F-II-Structural-Health-Monitoring Sensor Technologies / 23-B-IV-Optoelectronic Active and Passive Components / 24-B-IV-Advanced Materials Manufacture / 25-A-I-Dependability and Safety Methods & Tools
Products Keywords: 1-A-8-a-Sequential units / 1-D-3-b-Reinforcement Material: Carbon Fibres / 1-H-2-a-Dependability, Safety and Quality Tools (RAMS, FMECA, …)