Space Segment Phase-B1 Study
Introduction.
Tandem-L is a proposal for a highly innovative L-band SAR satellite mission for the global observation
of dynamic processes on the Earth's surface with hitherto unknown quality and resolution. Thanks to
the novel imaging techniques and the vast recording capacity, it will provide urgently needed
information for solving pressing scientific questions in the areas of the biosphere, geosphere,
cryosphere, and hydrosphere. By this, the new L-band SAR mission will make vital contributions
towards a better understanding of the Earth system and its dynamics. Important mission objectives
are:
— global measurement of 3-D forest structure and biomass for a better understanding of
ecosystem dynamics and the carbon cycle,
— systematic recording of deformations of the Earth's surface with millimetre accuracy for
earthquake research and risk analysis,
— quantification of glacier movements and melting processes in the polar regions for improved
predictions of sea level rise,
— high resolution measurement of variations in soil moisture close to the surface for advanced
water cycle research,
— systematic observation of coastal zones and sea ice for environmental monitoring and ship
routing,
— monitoring of agricultural fields for crop and rice yield forecasts, as well as
— emergency observations for disaster mitigation, recovery and prevention.
These objectives address subjects of great societal importance and encompass a spectrum that
ranges from basic Earth system research to environmental monitoring and disaster mitigation.
Moreover, in a time of intense scientific and public debate on the extent and influence of climate
change, the new L-band SAR can provide important and currently missing information for improved
scientific forecasts about which socio-political decisions can be based.
The Tandem-L mission concept is based on the use of two SAR satellites operating in L-band. Radar's
weather and time of day independent imaging capability offers the ideal basis for the continuous
observation of dynamic processes on the Earth's surface. Moreover, the long wavelength fulfils the
requirements for tomographic measurements of the three-dimensional structure of vegetation and
ice regions, as well as for the long-time surveying of deformations with millimetre accuracy. The
current goal of Tandem-L is to interferometrically image large portions of the global landmass once a
week. By extending the downlink capacity, it would even be possible to further increase the mapping
capability and to monitor the entire landmass of the Earth twice every week. Above and beyond the
primary mission goals, the unique data set acquired by Tandem-L has therefore immense potential
for developing new scientific and commercial applications and services.
Objective and Study Logic
The main objective of the Phase-B1 study is the consolidation and refinement of the overall
spacecraft and payload architecture, the release of the relevant technical requirements
specifications, the establishment of the preliminary design definition and verification programme,
with emphasis on key technological risks, consolidation of performance budgets and programmatic
drivers.
As baseline, the Phase B1 studies will encompass all activities foreseen in ECSS-M-ST-10C (Project
planning and implementation), which shall build upon the results from the Phase-A studies. At the
end of the study industry shall be in a position to submit robust Phase B-2/C/D/E1 proposals in terms
of price, schedule and performance commitment. These proposals shall be based on identified,
assessed and mitigated risks.
In summary, the Contractor shall perform all activities having due regard to the following main
constraints:
— Cost effectiveness at all levels shall be a constant concern. In particular, the reuse of heritage
solutions shall be extensively explored.
— Except for the transmit/receive modules, TRL 5 or higher shall be achieved for all system and
subsystem elements before the start of Phase B2.
— The launch date shall be in 2022/2023.
— The compatibility of the Tandem-L spacecraft with a dual launch on Falcon-9 is a mandatory
requirement.
— The proposed mission implementation shall be compliant to the Mission Requirements
Document issued during the Phase A study.
— A cost cap for implementation of the space segment has been defined by DLR and may be
updated in the course of Phase B1 depending of the approved budget for mission realization.
The study shall be organised in two parts. A short first part will be devoted to establish continuity to
the Phase A study. The Contractor shall critically review the Phase A documentation, identify and
analyse potential shortcomings and risks and propose adaptation and mitigation measures as
needed. Potential changes need to be justified by performance, risks and/or cost considerations and
shall be minimised. At the end of this first part of the study the Contractor shall confirm his baseline
concept for the Tandem-L mission.
The second part of the study shall be devoted to further progress the definition of the baseline
system, satellite and instrument concept and associated supporting analyses to the level required to
successfully meet SRR objectives. These activities will allow the Contractor to consolidate all major
elements of the baseline concept down to subsystem level and the associated programmatic plans to
ensure a mature baseline is established from which to prepare Phase B2/C/D/E1 proposals.
The duration of the Phase B1 study will be one year and it shall be concluded by a System
Requirement Review (SRR).
Task Outline
consolidate the critical analysis of the high-level technical specification that will act as
reference for the detailed definition of the system and provide the framework for the lower
level specifications
generate platform, instrument, and sub-systems technical specifications
establish the technical baseline of the satellite at the required SRR level, taking into
consideration the outcome of the Tandem-L mission Phase A and extension phase activities
and maximising the reuse of heritage products
establish the technical baseline of the payload at the required SRR level, taking into
consideration the outcome of the Tandem-L mission Phase A activities
verify/establish that TRL 5 or higher is achieved for all critical technologies for the instrument
(except TRMs) at the beginning of phase B2
provide a set of satellite support specifications applicable to satellite subsystems as required
at SRR level
study in detail the development and verification approach for the space segment
establish the Product Assurance approach
establish a detailed Programme Implementation approach
provide a schedule and cost estimate for the implementation phases B2/C/D/E1 of the
Tandem-L mission.
Defined groups of contractors are allowed.
As an option DLR will maybe decide to assign more than one company to prepare the requested study.
Deadline
Die Frist für den Eingang der Angebote war 2016-03-04.
Die Ausschreibung wurde veröffentlicht am 2016-01-20.
Wer?
Wie?
Geschichte der Beschaffung
| Datum |
Dokument |
| 2016-01-20
|
Auftragsbekanntmachung
|