NEW RF TECHNOLOGIES FOR MM-LEVEL ACCURACY METROLOGY - EXPRO PLUS (RE-ISSUE - 1-11776)

Spaceborne two-way links in Ku-band or above have since long shown their value in providing extremelyaccurate ranging such as Two-Way Time and Frequency Transfer by Satellite (TWTFTS) and the microwavelinks supporting ACES or GRACE. So far, their benefits have been bounded to timing and gravimetry becauseof the very few satellites equipped.Many more scientific applications (e.g. geodesy) could use such capabilities if available with a continuousworldwide coverage and from multiple satellites. However, the feasibilityof adapting these technologies to a wide coverage involving many satellites still needs to be demonstrated because of the multiple low TRLtechnological challenges such as highly-accurate multi-beam fixed user terminal, multiple access techniques,links calibration, payload complexity and power consumption.The purpose of this activity is to investigate and demonstrate the technological feasibility of introducing two-way RF metrology with mm-level ranging accuracy in a multiple access system architecture in particular inEHF bands (e.g. 44/47 GHz or 66/71 GHz).This activity encompasses the following tasks:- Assessment of the state-of-the-art (e.g. RFmetrology and TWTFTS, benchmark with optical technologies,etc.),- Feasibility and preliminary performance analysis of different architectures of the RF links for various usecases (Gateway-to-Gateway, Gateway-to-User and User-to-User) to identify the most promising ones,including trade-off for the most adequate frequencies vs. L-band and optical links,- Development of a early breadboard /proof-of-concept of the end-to-end RF link, involving technologies(non-space qualified) representative of the critical functions atpayload and user terminal level,- Characterization of the achieved performances for the different scenarios and working points (rangingaccuracy, calibration, multiple access, etc.).Procurement Policy: C(2) = A relevant participation (in terms of quality and quantity) of non-primes (incl. SMEs) is required. For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses