FLEX ACQUISITION SERVICE (FAS) IMPLEMENTATION

The FLEX space segment consists of a single satellite carrying a high-resolution imaging spectrometer. The FLEX mission concept envisages that such a small satellite will fly together with Sentinel-3. The FLEX acquisition service is a key element of FLEX mission operations and ensures that the data acquired by the FLEX satellite (in X-band) is received on the ground for further processing. The call FLEX ACQUISITION SERVICE (FAS) IMPLEMENTATION is available via ESA Star Publication. A submission deadline is not yet available.

Further information on the call: The FLEX acquisition service will be provided throughout the duration of the FLEX mission, with the contract initially covering preparatory and validation work in phase C/D (i.e., for a period of 12/18 months prior to the launch of the FLEX mission) and the reception of X-band data until in-orbit commissioning verification for a period of three months after launch. Following the in-orbit commissioning test, the contract will cover the routine operational phase for a period of 3.5 years (with a possible extension to 5 years) until the end of the mission. The FLEX X-band acquisition services shall be dimensioned to ensure that all data acquired within an orbit are downloaded at least once per orbit, corresponding to at least 14.3 X-band dumps per day during phases E1 and E2. The FAS service provider shall be fully responsible for the performance and availability of the acquisition services, regardless of the number and location of the selected ground stations. The procurement approach provides for the conclusion of a service contract that meets ESA requirements and agreed quality and performance levels (service level agreement). The provision and management of resources, as well as the technical architecture, implementation, and operation, are the responsibility of the contractor in accordance with the service requirements specified by ESA, which include management, technical, operational, and security aspects.