AU: Microglob satellites under investigation

As we read from the announcement, the subject of the contract is the implementation of a scientific study – industrial feasibility study for the project of constellation of microsatellites for optoelectronic Earth observation, taking into account the maximum involvement of domestic entities, in accordance with phase 0 and Phase A of the ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) methodology. The key elements of the system are the space and ground segment (including all ground systems used to support preparatory activities, leading to mission operations, conducting operations, and all post-operative activities). The Armaments Service assumes that the space segment will be equipped with multispectral sensors with a high and very high spatial resolution.

Next, we note in the documentation that the purpose of the industrial feasibility study is:

• analyzing the requirements defined for the microsatellite constellation project in terms of their feasibility;
• analysis of available technical solutions that can meet the requirements;
• assessment of the potential of the Polish industry in the field of analyzed space technologies;
• indication of critical technologies and technologies to be transferred from foreign entities (if not feasible by domestic entities);
• description of possible variants of the project implementation;
• estimation of investment expenditure, planning for the implementation and financing of investments;
• development of a technical and economic analysis comparing the total costs of owning a constellation, depending on the lifetime of the satellites;
• assessment and characterization of critical technical and economic aspects of the project and proposed action concept;
• development of the project implementation method (function tree);
• development of the initial management plan, engineering work plan and product assurance plan;
• identification of organizational aspects, needs related to infrastructure, human resources and technical solutions in the adopted implementation model, which can be used in phase B of the project;
• determining the optimal locations of the ground segment (taking into account the location of the user segment);
• performing an initial risk assessment;
• determining the possibility of using the developed system architecture concepts in the context of the planned construction of the VHR and SAR satellite;
• recommendation of the best variant of project implementation;
• development of the initial concept of operations (so-called High Level Concept Operations) showing how the system meets the requirements from the perspective of user goals in the dual-use architecture;
• analysis of the conformity of the microsatellite constellation project with the principle of “do not do not do not make harm” (DNSH), within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 establishing a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (EU Official Journal L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13) and the “Technical guidelines for the application of the” significant damage to” principle under the Regulation Instrument for Reconstruction and Resilience as included in the communication of the European Commission (2021 / C 58/01) of 18 February 2021.

Entities to be admitted to the procedure can submit applications that meet the conditions set out in the announcement until 10 a.m. August 29. The contracting authority limits the number of contractors that may tender to five. Once approved, the Arms Agency will select up to two of the best proposals based on an assessment of three criteria: key personnel participation, contract execution concept and price. The desired date for the research is 4 months from the conclusion of the contract.

As we read in the project of the National Space Program, the launch of the MikroGlob Satellite Earth Observation System aims to provide an autonomous capability to provide high-resolution satellite images for users associated with the state security and defense sector (Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Interior and Administration) and to meet the needs in this area of ​​public administration (MARD, MEiN, MARD, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage). The qualitative and quantitative parameters of the data obtained, in particular in terms of spatial, spectral and temporal resolution, will complement the images from the Copernicus program resources.

The MikroGlob Satellite Earth Observation System, as mentioned above, will consist of two basic components: space and ground (Mission, Cargo Management Center and Communication System). The orbital segment would consist of four optoelectronic satellites (operating in PAN, R, G, B and NIR modes), and plans would also include expanding this portion with a SAR device and a scientific/environmental satellite. The project of the National Space Program assumes a budget of the program at about 1 billion PLN.

In addition to the Mikroglob programme, other satellite Earth observation initiatives are being developed, such as the PIAST project. In turn, Minister Mariusz Błaszczak announced in March this year the purchase of two French IMINT satellites, most likely optical.

Source: AU / KPK