Definition of terms

Technical Challenges

They are described in the related Campaign on OSIP. They are focused on the key technologies specific to a Call for Proposal. The purpose of the Technical Challenges is to enable combined mission concept assessment and technology research work, on topics of potential relevance to future ESA programmes.

Study Team

The study team shall be composed of experts from both research or academic institutions and Industry. It shall include at least a senior researcher, a junior researcher and an industry core team (see following definitions).

The curricula vitae (CV) of the study team members mentioned above shall be provided in the Challenge Response.  CVs shall highlight publications relevant to the study, and any relevant patents or projects in collaboration with partners of interest to the key technologies being proposed. Evidence of these publications from study team members will be taken into account during the evaluation of the challenge responses under the first evaluation criteria.

Senior Researcher

A senior research fellow or professor, with at least five (and preferably more) years of post-doctoral research experience and a proven track record in a research field. This person will be the main responsible for the whole duration of the activity.

Junior researcher

Either a post-graduate doctoral student or a research fellow with a maximum of up to five years' experience of post-doctoral research.

Industry core team

A group of interdisciplinary experts who work full-time in an industrial entity. The Industry core team shall comprise, as a minimum, experts in spacecraft systems engineering and relevant engineering specialists of the technology product being put forward.

(OSIP) Campaign

The first step of the Call for Proposal has taken place on OSIP in a dedicated Campaign. The related Campaign Description shall be considered for the technical challenges and objectives of this SysNova initiative.

Challenge Response

Short 20 pages proposal, addressing one or more Technical Challenges outlined in Annex A to this SoW and/or the related Campaign Description.

Challenge Analysis

A detailed analysis and design of one of the Technical Challenges in Annex A and/or the related Campaign Description.

Final Review

Review of the Challenge Analysis by an ESA panel and study teams in a meeting organised by ESA at the end of the contract.

LSI - Large System Integrators

Large System Integrators are enterprises having at the same time at least one ongoing prime contract for over €200m and concerning space-related infrastructures, launchers or satellites; and in this area either an annual turnover of over €200m or an annual balance sheet that totals more than €200m.

On this basis, the list of space-related LSIs would be (please refer here for an updated list):

• Airbus Defence and Space SAS
• Airbus Defence and Space Ltd
• Airbus Defence and Space Gmbh
• ArianeGroup SAS (previously known as Airbus Safran Launchers SAS)
• Arianespace
• OHB System AG
• Thales Alenia Space France SAS
• Thales Alenia Space Italia SpA
• Avio SpA