Tenders Are Invited For Sentinel-6 Next Generation Phase A-B1

Tenders are invited for Sentinel-6 Next Generation Phase A-B1. Clarification Request Deadline 15/05/2026 13:00 CET Closing Date Extension Request Deadline 15/05/2026 13:00 CET Announcement Date 18/03/2026 Last Update On 10/04/2026 11:48 CET Update Reason Tender Action Issued The Sentinel 6 Next Generation (Sentinel 6 NG) mission is being initiated to ensure continued provision of Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL) observations and associated Copernicus data products, in alignment withthe Copernicus Space Component Long Term Scenario jointly defined by ESA, EUMETSAT, and the European Commission.Building on the performance and heritage of the Sentinel 6 Michael Freilichand Sentinel 6B satellites launched in 2020 and 2025, respectively, the Sentinel 6 NG mission will extend the long term reference altimetry record established through TOPEX/Poseidon and the Jason series. It will maintain, and aim to improve, the high precision sea level measurement stability required by Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) and continue to serve as the reference mission for calibration across the global altimetry constellation, as defined by Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS).As the procurement of a third first generation satellite (Sentinel 6C) has not been authorised, Sentinel 6 NG becomes essential to preventing a measurement gap and enabling performance improvements where feasible.The Sentinel 6 NG procurement foresees a structured two phase system study (Phase A and Phase B1) to mature the mission architecture and critical technologies. ESA intends to place two parallel contracts, subject to receipt of high quality proposals, to ensure adequatetechnical depth and to maintain competitive tension. Thesestudies will cover system-level assessment of the full mission architecture, including platform, payload, ground segment, operations, and exploitation. There will be a strong emphasis for re-use of payload instruments and sub-systems where possible, and use of the common platform whilst adopting new requirements on eco-design, security and space debris in-line with elements of the EU Space Act expected to be imposed on the Agency in due course.The procurement approach also allows for early technology pre development activities, targeting TRL 4 by the end of Phase A and TRL 5 by the end of Phase B1, to ensure mission readiness and reduce downstream development risk.The Phase A is planned to run for approximately 10 months, concluding with a Preliminary Requirements Review (PRR). Phase B1 will follow for six months, concluding with the Intermediate System Requirements Review (ISRR). The outcome of these reviews will inform the decision to proceed to Phase B2/C/D/E1 after the ESA Council at Ministerial Level (CMIN 28). Read less Directorate Directorate of EO Programmes Estabilishment ESTEC Open Date 10/04/2026 11:44 CET Closing Date 29/05/2026 13:00 CET ECOS Required No Classified No Price Range > 500 KEURO Authorised Contact Person Jacopo Brilli Initiating Service EOP-P IP Measure N/A Prog. Reference E/A002-01 - FEO1S3 Pillar1 EOP-P; E/0600-05 - Preparation Element Tender Type Open Competition Open To Tenderers From AT+BE+CA+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+GR+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LT+LU+LV+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE+SI+SK Technology Keywords 26-OTHERS Products Keywords Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open

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