The size of the contribution from ESA is envisaged to be comparable to that of a "Small Mission" in the Science Programme, with a similar sized contribution from the CAS.As it is usual for ESA science missions, the ESA Member States are assumed to provide (partly or fully) the European contribution to the payload elements.The mission’s science objectives could be in astronomy, solar system science or fundamental physics.For planning purposes a launch in 2021 is envisaged.
Preliminary technical guidelines- Spacecraft launch mass <= 250kg;- Payload mass < = 60kg;- Payload power 50 watt average (typical);- The use of an optional propulsion module can be envisaged for orbit transfer, subject to compatibility with selected launcher;- Launcher: Long March 2C/2D, with or without upper stage, if applicable as passenger; Vega if applicable as passenger; or Soyuz as passenger;- Operational lifetime of satellite 2-3 years.Preliminary programmatic constraints- The proposed mission should be self-standing and not an element of a larger mission;- Moon and Mars exploration missions will excluded from the call as they are covered by the Exploration Programmes in Europe and in China;- Technology readiness requirements: TRL6/7 preferable, TRL5 acceptable, by the time of the call;- Space segment development schedule below ~3.5-4 years- The space segment will have to be ITAR-free, and compatible with the applicable space debris regulations.
The European Space Agency's (ESA) Directorate of Science and Robotic Exploration (ESA-SRE) and the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) have agreed to explore the possibility of identifying a scientific mission which could be jointly implemented by ESA-SRE and the Chinese National Space Science Centre (NSSC) under the CAS.The scientific communities in Europe and China are invited to present their ideas about such joint scientific mission at the 2nd ESA-CAS workshop that will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 23-24 September, 2014.
The European Space Agency's (ESA) Directorate of Science and Robotic Exploration (ESA-SRE) and the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) intend to issue in January 2015 a Call for Missions for the selection of a scientific mission to be jointly implemented by the ESA Science Programme and the Chinese National Space Science Centre (NSSC) under the CAS.
UKSA claimed this mission to be S2 - i.e. within the Cosmic Vision context for ESA. Anyone know if it's actually being paid from CV, or whether - as is far more likely - it's budgeted as a Mission of Opportunity?
The major topic of the meeting revolved around the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer Mission (SMILE). Both parties reported to the meeting the recent progress of the mission and discussed the responsibilities of the parties, which will be conducive to an implementation agreement under the CAS-ESA space cooperation framework.
http://www.spacetechasia.com/china-esa-smile-spacecraft-to-launch-on-vega-c-in-2021/QuoteBetween October 10-12, scientists from China’s space programme and the European Space Agency (ESA) conducted a review of China-ESA joint mission SMILE. During the review, they confirmed that the SMILE spacecraft will be launched in 2021 on Arianespace’s upcoming Vega-C rocket, after choosing between the Soyuz, Ariane 6, and Vega-C.
Between October 10-12, scientists from China’s space programme and the European Space Agency (ESA) conducted a review of China-ESA joint mission SMILE. During the review, they confirmed that the SMILE spacecraft will be launched in 2021 on Arianespace’s upcoming Vega-C rocket, after choosing between the Soyuz, Ariane 6, and Vega-C.
