As part of the SAT-AIS Initiative, ESA will establish a Comparative Performance Assessment (CPA) process. The main objective of the CPA is to assess the performance at system level of current or planned space-based AIS systems through independent undisputed methodology, processes and tools. ESA has set up an independent CPA working group formed by representatives of ESA member states, academic entities and national agencies to review and endorse testing scenarios and a common test methodology.
This specific call focuses on end-to-end system concepts/architectures, but may also include sub-systems (antenna & receivers) in software versions. Test for end-to-end systems will be performed first. For sub-systems, ESA will carry out the tests on a best-effort basis and will return the results to the proponents with no implication to the CPA exercise.
The main tool for the testing performed in the CPA process is the AIS End-to-End Testbed, which is being developed by ESA via the ARTES 5.1 programme.
Following the answer to this call, the proponents will be scheduled for the test campaign starting in October 2011. It is expected that proponents will provide support during the duration of their own test campaign (two weeks) and can also witness their test.
All information provided including results from the tests will be kept as ESA internal information and will not be exposed to external parties. The only information distributed to the CPA WG members are comments to the CPA methodology.
For complete details, download the documentation located in the column to the right. The responses to this Call should be submitted by e-mail before 12 September 2011 to carsten.tobehn@esa.int in copy to ana.bolea.alamanac@esa.int
