Trappes, 18 July 2012 - 18:30 CET
An Egide package returns from space
An Egide modulator package, utilised by its customer Photline Technologies, is currently undergoing analysis after returning to Earth intact following 18 months spent in space on board the International Space Station (ISS).
The Egide package is being analysed by Photline Technologies after spending 18 months in space.
On 16 November 2009, this component was launched into space as part of the NASA Mission MISSE7 (Materials International Space Station Experiment 7) on board the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-129). It returned with the shuttle Endeavour (STS-134) on 1 June 2011. The purpose of the mission was to evaluate emission and reception components for LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
The visual aspect of the modulator after spending 18 months exposed to radiation, UV rays and extreme temperatures is, according to NASA, very satisfactory.
LIDAR: A complex technology with a number of opportunities.
Teledetection by laser or LIDAR is an optical measurement technology. Its operational function is the same as radar. While the latter functions in the domain of radio waves, LIDAR covers in particular the range of visible light as well as the domains of ultraviolet and infra-red.
Used particularly for the measurement of atmospheric properties, it is an area of active research which is undergoing significant development given the rising needs for control and measurement for the environment.
High-end reliability of packages developed by Egide.
The reliability and high-tech demands for the modulator package led Photline Technologies to consult Egide for this important space project.
In fact, in this segment, Egide possesses 3 unique assets:
1. Experience in the space industry. Since the beginning of the company, Egide has been a regular supplier to the major players in the space domain owing to its internal mastery of the different technologies necessary for the manufacture of these high-reliability products as well as its research projects carried out for CNES and ESA.
2. Industrial capacities. Adapted to the toughest specifications in the space domain, the Bollene facility is an efficient industrial tool, unique in Europe, possessing highly qualified staff.
3. Unique know-how: the technical expertise and high-reliability of all the components used in glass-sealed and ceramic packages allows Egide to satisfy even the most severe technical specifications demanded by the space industry and makes it player of note in this sector.
Henri Porte, CEO of Photline Technologies declared: "Our close co-operation with Egide goes back over more than 7 years. Egide's teams are particularly open and have a remarkable knack in adapting their solutions to our needs and constraints. It is precisely this relationship of confidence, and the extreme reliability of the innovative products developed by Egide, that was critical to us for this important space mission."
Philippe Brégi, CEO of Egide commented: "It is very rare to be able to analyse a components which has travelled in space as the vast majority never return to Earth or are damaged, even destroyed coming back. We are delighted that our package has fulfilled its mission of protecting the Photline Technologies modulator. In the coming months we will be able to use the benefits of the results from the analysis of our package. We will then be in a position to perfect our steps in developing innovative solutions even more reliable and efficient for our customers."
About Egide
Egide SA is a European group of international status, specializing in the manufacture of air-tight packaging for sensitive electronic components. The group is active in high-tech markets such as Space, Defense, Security, Aeronautics, Telecommunications, Automotive and Medical. As the only dedicated worldwide player, Egide has an industrial presence in France, the United States and Great Britain.
Find full information on Egide: www.egide.fr
EGIDE is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris(TM)- Compartment C - ISIN: FR0000072373 - Reuters: EGID.PA - Bloomberg: GID
Egide renewed its OSEO label as an innovative company on 11 june 2012
Certified for quality and environmental management systems ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004
Contacts
EGIDE - Financial Management - Philippe Lussiez - +33 1 30 68 81 00 - plussiez@egide.fr
FIN'EXTENSO - Public Relations - Isabelle Aprile - +33 1 39 97 61 22 - i.aprile@finextenso.fr
