Tenders are invited for ARGONAUT LDE Quick Passivation System Design Argonaut LDE (previously named EL3, European Large Logistics Lander), is one of the keystones of the Terrae Novae exploration capabilities presented at Council Meeting 2022. Argonaut LDE aims at enabling a substantial and sustained European presence on the surface of the Moon ensuring Europe remains a key player in space exploration. Argonaut LDE aims at providing an autonomous European capability for regular large robotic surface missions for an extended duration. This provides the possibility to conduct independent missions if required as well as being a significant and visible contribution to the international sustainable exploration of the lunar surface. The mission is designed to support both human and robotic exploration by providing a multipurpose lander known as the Lunar Descent Element (LDE): Lunar Descent Element (LDE): o A recurring lander, common to all ARGONAUT LDE missions. o Designed to be compatible with different delivery missions without undergoing modifications; o The LDE provides the functions of Payload transport to the Moons surface as well as the main mission functions common to all the different missions. The LDE is equipped to deliver various payloads through a mission-specific interface, typically referred to as the Cargo Platform Element (CPE). For the purpose of clarity the CPE and the related Payload are subject to a separate procurement under ESAs responsibility. Thales Alenia Space Italy, have been Contracted by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the realization of the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element (LDE) which will be used for the first mission in 2031. The objective of the present procurement is the selection of the subcontractor for the Argonaut LDE Quick passivation system design. For safety reasons, the LDE shall provide quick passivation function of propellant tanks to avoid hypergolic explosion in case of accidental events. The passivation system shall work in all the mission phases, starting from launch through the spacecraft mission (once separated from the LV), until Lunar orbit insertion. The main critical aspect is related to the timeframe and the reaction time needed, which is in the order of ms for the first mission phases, and seconds during third stage LV phase and space mission. The Contractor main tasks are : Perform trade-offs and analysis to evaluate and recommend the design solutions/architecture to ensure timely passivation of the Tanks. Highlight any aspect related to operational safety constraints. Prepare the documentation necessary to justify the test conditions, if any, established for development/qualification tests on Earth and correlation of the results with the corresponding environmental conditions seen by LDE in the realistic worst-case scenario. The procurement of the Primary and Secondary Structures will be conducted in line with the ESA Best Practices for the Selection of Subcontractors by Prime Contractors in the frame of ESAs Major Procurements (reference ESA BEST PRACTICES IPC(2012)65, rev.2). Notwithstanding the complete list of countries identified in the Special Provision for visibility purposes, the ITT letter of invitation will contain a dedicated set of geographical return requirements/targets to be considered.Read more Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/nonEsaTenderActions/filter/open
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