Definition of terms
Technology Reference Studies (TRS)
They are technical challenges focused on the key technologies specific to the Announcement of Opportunity (AO).
The purpose of the Technology Reference Studies is to enable combined mission concept assessment and technology research work on topics of potential relevance to future ESA programmes. The work has concrete short-term targets (i.e. technology activity proposals for 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).
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.
Challenge Response
Short 20 pages proposal responding to the AO and addressing at least two of the Technology Reference Studies.
Challenge Analysis
A detailed analysis and design of one of the Technology Reference Studies.
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 LSIs would be, as of June 2009 onwards:
- EADS-Astrium SAS
- EADS-Astrium GmbH
- EADS-Astrium Ltd
- EADS-Space Transportation SAS
- EADS-Space Transportation GmbH
- Thales Alenia Space France SAS
- Thales Alenia Space Italia Spa
- OHB System AG
