JUNE 13--Sofradir (Grenoble, France;www.sofradir.com), a developer and manufacturer of advanced infrared (IR) detectors for military, space, and industrial applications, has successfully completed the preliminary design review phase of its custom-designed 500 x 256 IR detector in France's Early Warning Satellite program, SPIRALE (Systeme Preparatoire Infra-Rouge pour l'Alerte). As a result of satisfying the requirements of the preliminary design review, Sofradir's IR detector will progress to the next phase in the program, the critical design review.
The SPIRALE program involves the supply and operation of a complete ballistic-missile early warning system. It will gather and analyze IR 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, selected Sofradir for the manufacturer's skill and expertise in IR focal-plane arrays for space applications. 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 program.
The advanced high-resolution 500 x 256 IR detector that Sofradir supplied to Alcatel Space comes with a tactical small Dewar integrated in a microcooler. It has been developed using Sofradir's advanced mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) technology and hybridization process. Sofradir's MCT technology is a silicon-like planar process that is high yield and has well-established, simplified steps that make it possible to produce smaller diodes which, in turn, require smaller-diameter optics and lower-power cryocoolers 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, vice president 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 program consists of two 120-kg class micro-satellites in elliptical orbit. They will be launched in 2008 by an Ariane 5 rocket.
