For space applications, the reliability of any component with respect to mechanical failure is a key requirement, especially in the case of ceramic components, where a single defect at a critical position may lead to crack initiation, growth and fracture of the component under mechanical or thermomechanical load. Instead of proof testing, an automatized and reliable method based on Computed Tomography (CT) non-destructive testing methods supported by a fast data evaluation would reduce ceramic components development risk and cost.

This activity investigates the feasibility of using Rust as a programming language for onboard software development in space missions. A port of the Rust standard library to RTEMS was successfully implemented, demonstrating Rust's potential for efficient and reliable onboard software development. The research also focuses on quality assurance aspects relevant to ESA ECSS standards, including documentation, testing, and product metrics.

The spectral filter is a critical element to reject unwanted background and straylight onto the receive detector during day and night operation. The activity consists in elaborating its optimized design (interference filters vs. fiber Bragg gratings vs. volume Bragg gratings) after trade-offs taking into account the overall design of the optical antenna (e.g. numerical aperture of the beam, tunability vs. spectral width, etc.).

Background and justification:

ESA is interested in launch services from European operators of European privately developed launch services for its mission needs. The aim of this Preparation activity was to identify the capabilities of European companies, assess their robustness and help prepare them to become ESA’s launch service suppliers. Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) was founded in 2018 with a vision to facilitate data-driven business models in space, RFA strives to enhance Earth monitoring, protection, and connectivity. RFA is currently developing the RFA ONE launch vehicle, targeting its first test flight in 2024.

Background and justification:

The Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES) primary mission objective is to characterize and monitor the dynamic behaviour of the asteroid 99942 Apophis before, during, and after its close Earth fly-by in 2029.

Future Moon exploration missions require very high data rates, in particular for the uplink, that are not supported by the current state-of-art on-board technology.This activity focuses on the design of a receiver capable of handling very high data rates and low SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) values, making novel use of the 22GHz for TTC (Telemetry, Tracking Command) uplink.The activity encompasses the following tasks:1 - Consolidation of the high level requirements of a lunar communications architecture for the Earth-Space link 2 - Design the overall on-board receiver architecture based on th