SOFTWARE DEFINE RADIO (SDR) 'MAKERSPACE' FOR SATELLITE COMMUNICATION (ARTES AT 6B.042)

Description

Objective:The objective of this activity is to enable rapid prototyping and implementation of early proof of concepts using Software Design Radio (SDR) technology.

Targeted Improvements:Significant time reduction to develop and produce ground and user segment SDR prototypes

Description:Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology allows for a rapid prototyping of air interfaces, flexibility in the selection of the frequency bands and increased virtualisation of higher layer functions, while maximising the spin-in from terrestrial developments.

SDR developments and its applications are typically emerging from and supported by a large community of SMEs, universities, university spin-offs, individuals, radio-amateurs etc. This community, that is very dynamic in nature and reacts fast to needs and implementations, is typically not engaged with ESA and therefore not part of the ARTES ecosystem.

This activity is aiming at facilitating the satellite communications industry a better access to this technology by having an agile mechanism in place that would allow the SDR expert community to engage in Satcom activities and thus deliver faster to market solutions.

Within this activity, it is proposed to conduct as a minimum 8 small SDR prototyping activities. A prime contractor would be responsible for managing the individual development activities placed with preferable new and small entities, while minimising the administrative processes. The tasks of the prime include coordination, seek for synergies, propose new opportunities and disseminate theactivity findings.

The prototyping activities will be defined by ESA at initiation of the activity.

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 EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and RD entities in ESA programmes".

Tender Specifics