EU issues RFP for ‘New Space’ project
July 21, 2021
By Chris Forrester
The European Union has issued its Request for Proposals for a major ‘New Space’ project – or projects – that embrace multi-orbit satellite constellations.
The brief is comprehensive and asks for ideas on the construction and operation of a new fleet of satellites which will provide broadband connectivity, and so-called ‘Quantum’ solutions and other potential missions.
Indeed, an earlier request for ideas to a consortium of nine satellite and aerospace specialists had generated responses which were not too inventive according to EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. Those ideas – such as they were – came from SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat as well as Airbus, OHB and Thales Alenia.
The new RFP was issued on July 19th and bidders have until September 10th to make their suggestions.
There will be two ‘winners’, and each will receive $1.65 million for a further 6-month study which will include detail report and launch cost estimates for their project.