Prequalifications For Procurement Of The Lisa Charge Management Device

Prequalifications are invited for Procurement of the Lisa Charge Management Device The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is the first space mission designed to observe theuniverse via gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of space time caused by the acceleration ofmassive objects in the universe. The LISA observatory consists of three identical spacecraft (eachwith a mass/power of about 2700Kg/>3kW), forming an equilateral triangular constellation of 2.5million km side-length, in trailing or leading orbit with respect to the Earth at about 50 million km. Thepassage of a gravitational wave results in a modulation of the length of one arm with respect toanother, which is detected using laser interferometry.ESA is responsible for the mission, including procurement of the spacecraft and the launch vehicletogether with the development of the ground segment to control and operate the spacecraft (fromthe Mission Operation Centre - MOC) and to perform the science mission planning and process thedata products, including archiving (from the Science Operation Centre - SOC). The ESA MemberStates and NASA contribute to the mission with several payload elements (ESA CFI to the Prime).ESA has also the overall responsibility of the verification of the mission performance.The Charge Management Device (CMD) is part of the Gravitational Reference Sensor System(GRS). The Gravitational Reference System (GRS) is built on heritage from LPF, with adaptationsto implement the lessons learnt. The GRS contains test masses that act as fiducial points of theinterferometer. To achieve the LISA stringent requirements on measurement sensitivity, the TestMasses must be kept free of charge to avoid acceleration noise from cosmic rays and electric fieldinteractions, which would compromise measurement sensitivity at low frequencies. LISA thereforeuses the CMD that employs ultraviolet (UV) light via thephotoelectric effect to discharge the TestMasses, a technique successfully demonstrated during the LISA Pathfinder mission.For each spacecraft, the Charge Management Device (CMD) consists of UV LEDs and associatedcontrol electronics.The Executive believes it prudent to take action now to limit any potential damage to the Programmestemming from the unstable situation with NASA. Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, theSPC has requested the Executive to investigate European industrial solutions. This paper outlinesthe approach being taken by the Executive to fulfil this action.Even though there have not been specific technology developmentactivities on the LISA CMD, thehardware, designed and developed by the Imperial College London (UK) for the LISA Pathfindermission constitutes relevant heritage; additionally, the technology behind a charge managementsystem is less challenging than that of theTelescope and the Laser; henceforth the Executive isconfident that there are several European suppliers capable to design and procure the LISA CMDsas per project needs.The cost target indicated in this paper is derived from comparable commercial units, including theseries production factor, in common with other LISA electronics units. It is expected that TRL 6 canbe achieved in the second half of 2027.The Executive intends to proceed with the release of an open, competitive tendering for the provisionof the Charge Management Device for the three LISA spacecraft, with three different contractualphases to be activated according to the evolution of the geopolitical scenario: Phase 1 ending with the PDR expected in 2027. (The activity may be stopped at this pointand transferred under national funding.) Phase 2 ending at the delivery of the Qualification Model (TRL8) expected in 2029 Phase 3 ending at the delivery of the Flight HW for one spacecraft (activation of the Phase 3foreseen at the end of 2028) expected in 2031 Phase4 ending at the delivery of the hardware for the 3 spacecraft (activation of the Phase4 foreseen at the end of 2028, but possible also later if required).The Executive would like to highlight that the above phasing should not be interpreted as rigidlyconsequential, e.g. Phase 3 can be activated prior to completion of phase 2. The approach is aimedat positioning the European industry to produce flight hardware at contained risk from 2029 (as TRL8achieved) and safeguard the overall LISA schedule:The envisaged timescale for the present procurement is as follows: 24 September IPC Procurement Proposal approval Sep 2025 ITT preparation and release Oct/Nov 2025 Bid preparation Dec 2025, endorsement by Special SPC Dec 25/Jan 2026 Bid evaluation Feb/Mar 2026 Contract Proposal approval at IPC Mar/Apr 2026 Negotiations and contract KOGiven the advanced status of the project and the urgency of the procurement actions, nospecific geographical return distribution requirements will be set. However, the ITT will includea preference clause for under returned countries in the Science Programme. In addition, theTenderers will be requested to favour the participation of SMEs and Midcaps in their consortium anddemonstrate pursuing such involvement by using e.g. esa-star communication features, RFIs orother means.ACTION REQUIREDThe IPC is invited to approve the initiation of competitive tendering for the procurement of the LISACharge Management Device Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open

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