ESA launches LET-SME 2004 call for Proposals (Leading Edge Technologies) closing 11/10/2004
The proposals submitted in reply to this AO should be focused on early stage development and feasibility demonstration of new technologies with strong possibility of being infused into future ESA projects and space missions. Existing technologies or processes proposing an important improvement over the ones in use will also be considered provided this improvement is clearly substantiated, and the corresponding space application identified.,Only SMEs of ESA Member states are allowed to bid as main contractors. However, Universities and/or Research Institutes may participate as a partner of an SME, at the condition that their share of work focuses on their field of expertise and represents a limited part of the overall work to be performed under the contract. The specific needs selected as priority topics for LET-SME 2004 and on the basis of which SMEs will be invited to make proposals are the following:,1 Engineering tool for qualification of optical coatings,2. Alternative rigidisation method for inflatable structures,3. Low-power, small hall effect propulsion system,4. Green hydrogen peroxide monopropellant rocket engine with advanced catalytic beds,5. Integrated plasma and fluid dynamics solvers. The selected proposals will receive a funding commensurate to the proposed activities, and typically ranging from 50 K Euro to a maximum of 200 K Euro each, and for a study duration between 6 and 18 months. Interested SMEs need to be registered within ESA EMITS (Electronic Mail Invitation to Tender System, at http://emits.esa.int/emits/owa/emits.main(se abrirá en una nueva ventana)) to have access to the call documentation. Details concerning the ESA SME Initiative can be accessed for the ESA Industry Portal specific for SMEs at http://www.esa.int/home-ind/ESA-Page-specific_1036070553637.html.Please(se abrirá en una nueva ventana) confirm that this will be published and sent via laerts next week starting 300904.,