ARTES-5.1 – ESA Telecom Technology Workplan ... - Emits - ESA

Annex 2Page 19Ref. Activity Title Procurement Policy Budget(KEUR)4B.038(09.153.05)Objective:Description:Planned TenderIssueMEMS-based Satellite Propellant Gauging System Open Competitive Tender Type: C1 1200 2Q 2009 36To develop and test a MEMS-based (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) Engineering Model of a Satellite Propellant Gauging SystemEstimated Duration(months)The market need for a small and accurate satellite propellant gauging system has previously been identified, e.g. in the work under ESTEC Contracts No. 21148/07/NL/CP and 9454/92. As anexample, there is a market demand for a gauging system that can reduce the operational uncertainty at telecommunication satellites end-of-life from typically six months down to a few weeks.If this can be achieved, the added value of the system is several months prolonged operational time in space for the satellite, which in turn translates into large revenues for the satellite ownerand its customers. A MEMS-based (Micro Electro Mechanical System) design results in miniaturization, higher accuracy and increased redundancy compared to existing designs. In acurrently running GSTP activity a breadboard is being developed of a MEMS based satellite propellant gauging system. This breadboard includes a reduced size non-flight representative tank,non-flight representative fuel lines, MEMS valves and MEMS pressure transducer. In the frame of the proposed activity an Engineering Model (EM) of a precision propellant gauging systemwill de designed, manufactured and tested. This system will be fully representative of the flight hardware and will make use of flight propellant.