Gravity Off-Load System (Unit A)

Tender description

The Satellite Applications Catapult is seeking a suitable provider to an overhead gantry system that will enable simulation of orbital environments by off-loading the effect of gravity on a suspended object. The system provided will installed in the Catapult’s existing facility and will cover an area of 15m x 7m x 7m (lxwxh) and capable of carrying a 100kg payload. The system will be required to suspend objects in a free-floating manner but be able to move the object in any direction when a force is applied to it, thus simulating the in-orbit dynamics experienced during contact between space craft. As such, 6 degrees of freedom are required at the attachment point. The system will need to utilise its own control system to enable this, but it must be possible to provide force, position and trajectory data to external systems in a suitable format for data processing and control of other systems. Installation & commissioning of the system is to be included by the supplier. Lot 1: This is a prior information notice outlining this potential requirement to make the market aware of the potential upcoming need. If this progresses, procurement documentation will be published on the MyTenders portal and will be conducted by a competitive procurement process. We do not have further information to share at this point. Please ensure that you have registered your interest on the MyTenders portal to receive further updates about this opportunity. Additional information: Additional background information is provided in the downloadable document “Background SAC IOSM Facility” – if you are having issues locating this document, please contact procurement@sa.catapult.org.uk to request a copy.