ESA Open Invitation To Tender AO8536
Open Date: 08/01/2016
Closing Date: 24/02/2016

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 15.155.20
Prog. Ref.: EOEP-4 EO Prep. Acti
Budget Ref.: E/0092-E4 – EOEP-4 EO Prep. Acti
Special Prov.: BE+DK+FR+DE+IT+NL+ES+SE+CH+GB+IE+AT+NO+FI+PT+LU+CZ+RO+PL+CA
Tender Type: C
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of EO Programmes
Department: Science, Appl & Future Technologies Dept
Division: Future Missions Division
Contract Officer: Perez, Guiomar
Last Update Date: 08/01/2016
Update Reason: Tender issue

Oceanic phenomena, including internal waves, mesoscale surface current features, filaments, jets, meandering fronts and eddies, as well as biogenic and oil slicks have surface roughness signatures. In clear-sky conditions, and with appropriate geometry, an optical instrument on board a satellite looking at the ocean surface will measure sun glint: the direct specular reflection of solar radiation at the sea surface into a satellite sensor field of view. The spatial variations in brightness signal within sun glitter provide measurable contrasts that can be processed to retrieve estimates of the mean square slope at the ocean surface. In this way Satellite Sun Glint Imagery (SSGI) captures a unique the fingerprint of ocean-atmosphere interactions of wind, waves, ocean currents and surface slicks. While great progress has been made to develop the scientific application of historical and contemporary SSGI measurements from geostationary and polar orbiting instruments for oceanographic applications, there has not been a study to define a dedicated SSGI spaceborne concept. The purpose of the SaRONG study is to address the scientific rationale for such a SSGI concept.The study will provide a state-of-the art assessment of SSGI theoretical background, practical application, retrieval methods and algorithms, process historical and contemporary satellite data to provide validated SSGI products and demonstrate their value. The study will conclude with a set of technical requirements for a SSGI mission. The study shall be carried out within 24 months from theKO date.

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