Following further definition of the EDRS-C mission scope, the subject Announcement of Opportunity, published on EMITS on 11 August 2011, is modified as follows:
1. The baseline EDRS-C configuration no longer includes the C-Band payload identified in the Announcement of Opportunity.
2. The maximum mass that should be considered for hosted payloads is now 160 kg.
3. There is therefore no longer a single preferred/nominal orbital location for EDRS-C, but a range of potential operational geostationary orbits that extends from 30 degrees west to 23.5 degrees east. Bidders may now propose payloads that operate from anywhere within this orbital arc and should highlight the orbital requirements of their payload within their submission. The indicative embarkation fee for hosted payloads remains the same.
4. In light of these changes and the high level of interest expressed to date, the deadline for submitting a Notice of Intent to propose a hosted payload is extended by two weeks, i.e. to close of business on Thursday, 15th September 2011. In addition, interested parties need now only submit the Summary Page of the Notice of Intent form (Appendix B of the Announcement of Opportunity) by the new deadline.
5. Interested parties who have not been able to submit a Notice of Intent by the new deadline may still be permitted to attend the hosted payload workshop at ESTEC on 22nd and 23rd September 2011. They should contact ESA via the e-mail address in the AO cover letter, announcing the opportunity to discuss their particular situation.
The remaining requirements of the Announcement of Opportunity remain unchanged. Links to the required documents are listed below:
http://emits.esa.int/emits-doc/ESTEC/eliEDRShostedpayload.pdf
http://emits.esa.int/emits-doc/ESTEC/EDRShostedpayloadAO.pdf
For further information, email payloadcfi@esa.int