ESA unclassified – For official use
Lunar Exploration Camera Demonstrator Interface Unit (CDIU) development and provision
In the frame of the ESA Lunar exploration program in cooperation with the Russian Space Agency, it has been agreed to fly a camera demonstrator on the Luna-25 (also called Luna-Glob) mission end 2018. This demonstration flight purpose is to acquire images to be used for refinement of requirements and design of a precision navigation system named PILOT based on visual navigation, system provided by ESA for the Luna-27 mission (also called Luna Ressurs) to be launched in 2021.
The camera demonstrator project named PILOT-D consists in a camera (named COU) and an electronic interface unit (named CDIU) between the camera and the Russian Luna platform. Interfaces are RS-485 with the Spacecraft and Firewire with the camera. The CDIU is powered via 28V regulated from the Luna platform and provide 5V to the camera.
The purpose of the activity is the development and provision of the CDIU, covering development models and protoflight model.
In this framework AIRBUS DS, bidder as prime contractor for the PILOT B+, is in the process of issuing competitive Invitations to Tender (ITT) for the provision of the CDIU. The selected bidder will become part of the PILOT B+ industrial consortium under the lead of Airbus DS Gmbh – Bremen.
Companies interested in bidding for the above mentioned activity should declare their interest within 5 working days from the publication of the ITT draft documentation in EMITS. The declaration of interest should be sent to:
Mr Andreas Ringleb
Project Supply Manager “Future Programmes & Business Development Bids & Program Teams”
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
PO Box 286156
ISS Operations ENS&Orbital: TOPCE
Phone: +49 421 539-5488
S/W Fax: +49 421 539-285488
e-mail:
The schedule is quite ambitious with delivery the Protoflight unit to Russia by August 2017. A budget of maximum 500.000 € has been allocated for this specific unit.
Strong tailoring of the ESA development and engineering standards (ECSS) is welcomed but will have to be commensurate to the demonstration mission and the mission objectives and profile.
The competition shall be limited to companies residing in ESA Member and Associated States which, by the time of the Contract award decision, are participating to the ISS Exploitation Program
For further information please see the following link:
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