Sofradir garners multi-million Euro MUSIS/CSO infrared contract

Oct. 11, 2011
Paris, France--Advanced IR detectors developer Sofradir has been awarded a multi-million Euro contract to manufacture IR detectors for the engineering and flight model phases for the MUSIS/CSO next-generation Earth observation military satellites.

Paris, France--Advanced IR detectors developer Sofradir has been awarded a multi-million Euro contract to manufacture IR detectors for the engineering and flight model phases for the MUSIS/CSO next-generation Earth observation military satellites. These satellites will replace the current Helios 2 observational system.

Under the terms of the four-year contract, Sofradir will deliver high-resolution IR focal-plane arrays for the satellites' optical imaging cameras to satellite and space equipment manufacturer Thalès Alenia Space France (TAS-F).

Sofradir hopes that this collaboration could lead other opportunities to make their mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) IR detectors that operate reliably in harsh environments available for other challenging space projects in Europe and around the world, says Philippe Bensussan, chairman and CEO at Sofradir.

The CSO (Optical Space Component) is the French government’s contribution to the future MUSIS (MUltinational Spacebased Imaging System) that will include optical and radar space components. Aerospace company Astrium is the prime contractor for the CSO satellite development contract, as the French space agency CNES awarded the contract to Astrium in 2010. CNES was delegated by the French procurement agency DGA to manage the project.

Sofradir first became involved in MUSIS/CSO in 2005, when it carried out a feasibility study and preliminary development of the IR detectors. Sofradir will complete delivery of all the IR detectors by 2015.

-----

Follow us on Twitter

Subscribe now to Laser Focus World magazine; it's free!

About the Author

LFW Staff

Published since 1965, Laser Focus World—a brand and magazine for engineers, researchers, scientists, and technical professionals—provides comprehensive global coverage of optoelectronic technologies, applications, and markets. With 80,000+ qualified print subscribers in print and over a half-million annual visitors to our online content, we are the go-to source to access decision makers and stay in-the-know.

Sponsored Recommendations

How to Tune Servo Systems: Force Control

Oct. 23, 2024
Tuning the servo system to meet or exceed the performance specification can be a troubling task, join our webinar to learn to optimize performance.

Laser Machining: Dynamic Error Reduction via Galvo Compensation

Oct. 23, 2024
A common misconception is that high throughput implies higher speeds, but the real factor that impacts throughput is higher accelerations. Read more here!

Boost Productivity and Process Quality in High-Performance Laser Processing

Oct. 23, 2024
Read a discussion about developments in high-dynamic laser processing that improve process throughput and part quality.

Precision Automation Technologies that Minimize Laser Cut Hypotube Manufacturing Risk

Oct. 23, 2024
In this webinar, you will discover the precision automation technologies essential for manufacturing high-quality laser-cut hypotubes. Learn key processes, techniques, and best...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!