BACKGROUND

The automotive sector is a key target area for future 5G systems, as new standards require the integration of mobile communications into vehicles. However, antennas providing seamless connectivity in vehicles are not yet available, due to many technological and commercial challenges, which cannot be addressed in isolation. Antennas for satellite-connected cars can be designed for various frequency bands (e.g., L-, S-, Ku- and/or Ka-Band), require compatibility with terrestrial and other satellite services (e.g., satellite radio and navigation) and must satisfy the requirements of the automotive market. 

ABOUT THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY

This activity will lead to the design of a class of low-profile and conformal antennas, following a holistic approach where all main stakeholders (i.e., antenna technology provider, car manufacturer, satellite/terrestrial operator) are involved in the antenna design. This includes aspects such as:

• Selection of at least one use-case and system definition: frequency bands (e.g., S-, Ku-, Ka-Band), satellite type and orbits (e.g. LEO, MEO, GEO and/or HEO).
• Optimisation of the system architecture, with the aim of simplifying the automotive antenna.
• Selection of a vehicle class and associated environmental and safety constraints.
• Co-design of the antenna/vehicle chassis, where the satellite terminal antenna aperture is embedded in the chassis frame, roof and/or other conformal structure, to guarantee a suitable aperture size and orientation, whilst minimising the impact on the vehicle design and aesthetics.
• End-to-end demonstration of the prototype system with two or more vehicles, validating the target use-case(s).

ABOUT THE SPACE FOR 5G/6G AND SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIVITY STRATEGIC PROGRAMME LINE

ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity Strategic Programme Line (SPL) has been set up to support the space sector to deliver cost effective technology solutions for 5G and 6G. The 5G/6G SPL provides funding for activities and projects aimed at the common strategic goal of supporting the digitalisation of business and society; this is conducted in coordination with related 5G/6G initiatives at European and national level in various Member States.

You can find more information here: Space for 5G | ESA TIA

ESA TENDER INFORMATION

This activity is an approved ARTES Space for 5G/6G Workplan activity with a total budget of 5M Euro and planned for release by Q4 2023. The Activity appears in the Workplan 2023 (Ref. 7C.084, 5G automotive antenna prototype and demonstration). 

ESA will release the open competitive Invitation to Tender (ITT). Eligibility will be restricted to any company and/or organisation, public body, or non-governmental organisation, residing in any of the participating states: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Spain, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Responding to an open competitive Invitation to Tender (ITT) requires the submission of a Proposal. The Proposal will be evaluated according to ESA regulations and procedures.

The consequential evaluation of proposals results in a recommendation for a winning bid. In the event that several proposals of good quality targeting different and/or complementary aspects are submitted, ESA reserves the right to place parallel contracts for each of the open competitive ITTs in coordination with the relevant national delegations.

Your tender must be submitted in electronic format only via esa-star tendering [see: https://esastar.sso.esa.int/]

LINKS

ARTES 4.0 CC Summary Flyer

ARTES 4.0 Core Competitiveness: An Overview (presentation)

ARTES 5G Specific Programme Line

ARTES 4.0 Work Plan  

With the current large growth for space-based services, now is the right time, more than ever, to further support

the emergence of new European and Canadian Space Mission Providers, lowering the barriers for entry into space markets and attracting new entrepreneurs.

The objective of Pioneer Partnership Projects is to facilitate the emergence of new Space Mission Providers offering a one-stop-shop for customers wishing to demonstrate innovative space solutions. The projects are targeted at affordable and timely access to space, lowering the barriers for demonstration of innovative services, and include one or more in-orbit validation missions to demonstrate and showcase the service.

Companies who are interested to join the Pioneer Programme are encouraged to access the Tender Action Package (reference 4-40011) on esa-star. The tendering process will follow a two-step approach with companies first submitting an outline proposal for evaluation by the Agency before progressing to the full proposal stage. Any questions on the Pioneer Call for Proposals can be addressed to the following dedicated email address: Pioneer_CfP@esa.int

Seven Pioneer Partnership Projects have already been contracted with companies from four different Member States. From these projects, twenty spacecraft have already been launched, with one planned in 2023 and seven more planned in 2024/25, demonstrating the high interest and effectiveness of the Pioneer Partnership Projects programme.

Pioneer Partnership Projects is part of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) 4.0. For more information go to: https://connectivity.esa.int/pioneer.