Tenders are invited for Formation Flying at Close Range -Expro plus Close Formation Flying (CFF) enables a new generation of distributed microwave instruments for Earth observation, where multiple small satellites fly within a few to tens of meters to synthesize a large virtual aperture for Synthetic Aperture Radar, Interferometric Radiometer, or Sounder missions. At such close separations, the relative geometry and timing between spacecraft directly determine instrument performance, such as coherence, resolution, or radiometric accuracy. Achieving this precision requires advanced relative navigation sensors, ultra-low-thrust propulsion, and tightly synchronized inter-satellite links capable of maintaining stable baselines under drag, solar pressure, third body and gravity gradients, as well as magnetic and thermal perturbations. Close Formation Flying (CFF) at short rangebelow 100 m and up to few metersrepresents the next step beyond the long-baseline formations demonstrated by several missions such as GRACE-FO and TanDEM-X. In this tight regime, inter-satellite distances are small enough for the formation itself to act as a distributed microwave aperture, enabling coherent sensing for SAR, Interferometric Radiometer, and Sounder missions. Unlike long-range formations, short-range CFF demands continuous, ultra-precise control to maintain millimetre-to-centimetre relative positioning, mitigate plume and thermal effects, and ensure microsecond to nanosecond synchronization and phase coherence. Building on heritage from PROBA-3 and related demonstrations, short-range CFF introduces new challenges in navigation accuracy, thrust resolution, and electromagnetic compatibility, but offers the potential for transformative gains in microwave imaging resolution, calibration stability, and measurement sensitivity.The objective of this activity is to determine the technical feasibilityof establishing, maintaining, and reconfiguring a close formation fly configuration (relative distance of less than 100 meters, target below 10m) for a specified distributed microwave mission (Distributed SAR, Distributed Radiometer or Distributed Sounder), and toidentify associated technology gaps and a development roadmap Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open
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