Tenders are invited for MEMS APPLICATIONS TO ELECTRIC PROPULSION DEVELOPMENTS FOR NANO- AND MICRO-SATELLITES - EXPRO+

MEMS APPLICATIONS TO ELECTRIC PROPULSION DEVELOPMENTS FOR NANO- AND MICRO-SATELLITES - EXPRO+ The nano-satellite and micro-satellite market is growing and constellations of such satellites are being pursued. These satellites are used for several applications, such as communication, earth observation and remote sensing, scientific research, academic training by the defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and/or government users. In the past, due to resource constraints, these satellites have not included any propulsion system severely limiting their mission capabilities and lifetime. To enhance their performance, the next generation of such satellites need to employ extremely miniaturised propulsion systems capable to meet the stringent mass, volume and power constraints. Satellites are almost always mass critical and their propulsion systems are normally designed to be as light as possible while delivering the highest possible delta V. Small satellites are moreover limited by volume and electrical power. This means that a propulsion system designed for these types of satellites need to deliver the highest possible delta V while occupying the smallest possible volume and consuming a minimum amount of electrical power. Electric propulsion thrusters are the most mass efficient type of propulsion. Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) components are already used in many applications, such as medical, automotive, IT, telecommunication. MEMS-based components for Electric propulsion systems allow to reduce mass, volume and power. They also allow more functionality or increased redundancy by combining mechanical, fluidic and electrical functions on one single chip. The MEMS components envisaged in this activity will cover pressure regulators, flow control valves, pressure and temperature sensors, propellant gauging devices, and isolation valves. It is necessary to ensure that the appropriate propulsion MEMS components are developed to support the implementation of this technology on next generation nano- and micro-satellites and the electrical propulsion being developed for those satellites. This activity encompasses the following tasks:- Identification of MEMS component(s) for electric propulsion systems for nano- and micro-satellites.- MEMS component(s) specification and MEMS component(s) design.- Trade-off and selection of materials and manufacturing methods.- Manufacture and test of a MEMS component(s) breadboard(s).- Generate roadmap to complete full development up to the qualification.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 Read less