Tenders Are Invited For Second Scout Cycle: System Consolidation Studies

Tenders are invited for Second Scout Cycle: System Consolidation Studies The Earth Observation (EO) Directorate of the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a new framework to develop scientific missions for Earth Observation exploiting the new space initiative and complementing the well-established series of Earth Explorer research satellites. With this new family of small satellites, ESA intends to respond to the dynamism of a quickly evolving scientific and technological environment in the Earth Observation sector by reducing the time and cost to deliver demonstrations of novel EO techniques in the Earth sciences, taking advantage of new development methodologies, higher-risk approaches and existing assets.Following the strong interest expressed in the Scout framework, and the experience drawn from the first Scout cycle, the Agency intends to initiate a second Scout cycle to ultimately deliver 2 new Scout missions with high scientific merit.The Scouts rely on an agile and flexible approach to timely deliver scientific value. Scout missions are therefore not in-orbit demonstration missions nor commercially driven missions. Scout missions are characterised by a pro-active role of industry and academia, a low-cost approach and a rapid development cycle (3 years from start of implementation to flight acceptance). It is mandatory that Scout missions are based on an observing technique and instrumentation with sufficient scientific and technological maturity to be implemented within the boundary conditions of the Scout programme.Scout missions shall be consistent with a strictly contained Cost-at-Completion (35 M at 2024 e.c.for all industrial development costs for the space segment, including launch services, adaptation of existing ground segment or ad hoc ground segment development, and operations of the mission until end of the in-orbit commissioning phase). It is therefore mandatory that candidate missions are based on an observing technique and instrumentation with sufficient scientific and technological maturity from the onset, so as to secure a quantifiable science return in such a limited development period. It i expected to rely on already developed smallsat/cubesat platforms, with adaptations limited to the payload accommodation requirements. The objective of this procurement is to conduct system/mission consolidation activities - for a maximum budget of 700 k and a maximum duration of 9 months - on (up to 4) selected candidate Scout mission concepts, pending reception of offers of good quality.Read more Clarification Request Deadline 28/11/2024 13:00 CET Closing Date Extension Request Deadline 28/11/2024 13:00 CET Announcement Date 22/07/2024 Last Update On 08/10/2024 10:54 CET Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open