{"start":0,"take":1,"total":1,"items":[{"activityNumber":"1000046331","budgetReference":"E/0901-01 - Technology Developme","classified":false,"closingDate":"2026-11-30T13:00:00","extensionRequestDeadline":"2026-11-16T13:00:00","clarificationRequestDeadline":"2026-11-16T13:00:00","description":"To derive more accurate expression of atmosphere irregularities effects with a focus on the ionosphere, and devise mitigation techniques for both geo- and sun-synchronous SAR imaging systemsDescription: For Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems the atmospheric turbulence is generally assumed to be time-invariant during the synthetic aperture time due to itsshort duration. Such assumption is not always correct, as horizontal atmospheric drifts and vortices exist. Especially for SAR systems at low frequency (P-Band, L-Band), SAR operating on repeat-track basis, geo-synchronous SAR systems characterised by long integration time and extensive imaging scene, the ionosphere can have an important role on the performance. Furthermore, both temporal andspatial variations of the ionosphere have to be jointly taken into account, which further complicates their characterisation. Therefore, the effects of the flowing ionospheric irregularities need to be investigated, aiming in particular to image shifts, defocusing and repeat-track interferometry. The aim of this activity is to provide a comprehensive analysis to evaluate effects of both spatial variation and flowing ionospheric irregularities on SAR systems operating both at P-, L- and C-band. In particular, the ionospheric scintillations, which act remarkably in the polar cap and equatorial zone at night need to be considered. The Ionosphere characterisation shall originate from previous developments, analyses performed in the framework of previous missions developments and from knowledge built up in the navigation community. This activity encompasses the following tasks: -Analytical models of the physical effects of spatial-temporally ionospheric background variations on the SAR signal. - Assessment of the impacts on the SAR performancesdemonstrating, both theoretically and numerically, the geometric fidelity, focusing aspect and interferometry quality (i.e., relative image shifts and the decorrelation of interferometric pairs, interferometric phase screen errors). - Validation of the models andof the performance analysis using ionospheric monitoring measurements (i.e., Global Positioning System). - Develop mitigation techniques. - The implementation of the aforementioned components in a software framework. The methods developed in this activity are expected to be developed in such a way that they can be later broadened to other atmospheric effects such as tropospheric scintillations. Software shall be delivered under an ESA Software Community License, so that any individuals or entities within ESA Member Statescan access to it and can provide update to the community of users.Deliverables: Report, SoftwareProcurement Policy: C(3) = Activity restricted to SMEs  RD  Entities. For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses.","ecosrequired":false,"establishment":"ESTEC","firstPublicationDate":"2026-10-16T15:40:29","id":197061,"idEra":25812,"initiatingService":"TEC-EFW","ipmeasure":"C3","isArchived":false,"isCancelled":false,"isReissued":false,"isToBeReissued":false,"issueQuarter":"262","lastUpdateTime":"2026-10-16T16:52:43","lastUpdateUser":"ltena","openDate":"2026-10-16T15:43:17","priceRange":"200-500 KEURO","programmeReference":"Technology Developme","tanumber":"1-13451","title":"EFFECTS OF THE SPATIO-TEMPORALLY VARYING ATMOSPHERE ON SAR IMAGING: THE IONOSPHERE CASE - EXPRO PLUS - RE_ISSUE","directorate":"Directorate of Tech, Eng.  Quality","countries":[{"id":1},{"id":168},{"id":67},{"id":27},{"id":26},{"id":25},{"id":24},{"id":23},{"id":22},{"id":19},{"id":17},{"id":16},{"id":13},{"id":12},{"id":11},{"id":10},{"id":9},{"id":8},{"id":7},{"id":6},{"id":5},{"id":2},{"id":15}],"products":[{"id":308}],"technologies":[{"id":205}],"status":{"id":2},"tenderType":{"id":5},"isFavourite":false,"eraVersion":2,"stageNumber":null,"isNew":false,"isUpdated":false,"declarationOfCompliances":["All the required declarations of compliance have been addressed and included in our proposal's Cover Letter."],"keyAcceptanceFactors":["The Tenderer confirms, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to satisfy the “Eligibility Requirements” (see section 1.1 of the EXPRO/TC);","The Tenderer confirms, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to fulfil the requirements concerning “Free Competition” (see paragraph 10 of the Cover Letter of the Proposal Template);","The Tenderer confirms, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to accept the conditions established for “Non commitment by the Agency in competitive procurements” (see section 1.7 of the EXPRO/TC);","The Tenderer confirms, on its behalf and on behalf of its Subcontractor(s), to be compliant with the “Non Benefits Requirements” (see section 1.8 of the EXPRO/TC);","The Tenderer confirms that the tender Cover Letter and the Detailed Proposal contain a binding price;","The Tenderer confirms that the tender Cover Letter and the Detailed Proposal contain a price type compliant with the one requested in the ITT;","The Tenderer confirms that the tender is compliant with the budgetary limit applicable to the ITT;"],"evaluationCriterias":[{"criterion":"Background and experience (related to the particular field concerned) of the company(ies) and staff, including adequacy of the proposed facilities","weightingFactor":"25%"},{"criterion":"Understanding of the objectives of the activity and discussion of the problem areas, and adequacy of the programme of work","weightingFactor":"60%"},{"criterion":"Adequacy of the time dedication and costing, compliance with administrative tender conditions and acceptance of the contract conditions","weightingFactor":"15%"}],"entities":[],"procurementProposal":null,"responsible":"Maxime Guy","updateReason":"Tender Clarification has been published"}],"totalNew":0,"totalUpdated":0}