Product category:
Temperature sensors
News Release from: Sofradir
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 15 June 2005
IR detector set for satellite duties
Sofradir has successfully completed the preliminary design review phase of its custom-designed 500x256 IR detector in France's early warning satellite programme, Spirale.
Sofradir, a developer and manufacturer of advanced infra-red detectors for military, space and industrial applications, has successfully completed the preliminary design review phase of its custom-designed 500x256 IR detector in France's early warning satellite programme, Spirale As a result of satisfying the requirements of the preliminary design review, Sofradir's IR detector will progress to the next phase in the programme, the critical design review
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 31 Mar 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
High res. long-wave infrared detector ready to go
Sofradir today announced that Venus, a compact higher resolution 1/4 TV format (384 x 288) long-wave infrared detector is in production and ready for shipment.
Ranking recognises rocket-powered growth
American Sensor Technologies has been ranked fifth in Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 Programme for New Jersey.
The Spirale program involves the supply and operation of a complete ballistic missile early warning system.
It will gather and analyse infra-red images of terrestrial backgrounds to detect ballistic missiles during powered flight.
Alcatel Space, chosen to build two demonstration satellites by EADS Astrium, prime contractor for Spirale (Systeme Preparatoire Infra-Rouge pour l'Alerte), selected Sofradir for the manufacturer's skill and expertise in IR focal plane arrays for space applications.
Further reading
Award recognises New Jersey's finest
American Sensor Technologies is a recipient of New Jersey's Finest Private Companies Award for 2004.
Irish eyes smile on weighing assemblies
With reports that the Irish industrial production index is up by 13.7% over the last 12 months, it is no wonder that Applied Weighing had a successful few days at exhibitions in Cork.
According to Sofradir CEO Philippe Bensussan, earlier successes in other military observation satellites with Alcatel Space contributed significantly to Sofradir's selection in the Spirale programme.
"Sofradir supplied Alcatel Space with IR detectors for Helios 2".
"The first flight model of Helios 2 was launched in December 2004 from Kourou, French Guyana".
"Our IR detectors are fully operational, which clearly demonstrates our competence in this sector".
The advanced high resolution 500x256 IR detector that Sofradir supplied to Alcatel Space comes with a tactical small Dewar integrated in a micro-cooler.
It has been developed using Sofradir's advanced mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) technology and hybridisation process.
Sofradir's MCT technology is a silicon-like planar process that is high yield and has well-established, simplified steps, that makes it possible to produce smaller diodes which, in turn, require smaller diameter optics and lower power cryo-coolers than indium antimonide (InSb) or other established processes.
"Sofradir is one of the few companies in the world to offer space-qualified IR technology".
"This sector of the imaging market demands a 100% assurance of results", said Philippe Tribolet, VP of technology at Sofradir.
"Backed by 13 years of experience in space applications, we are happy to provide this level of skill, accuracy and performance to Alcatel Space".
The space segment of the Spirale programme consists of two 120kg class micro-satellites in elliptical orbit.
They will be launched in 2008 by an Ariane 5 rocket.
• Sofradir: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
