e2v Image Sensors Launched into Space

TOKYO /Marketwired/ -- On May 7, 2013, e2v high-performance image sensors were launched into space onboard Vietnam's first optical Earth observation satellite, the Vietnam Natural Resources, Environment and Disaster Monitoring Satellite (VNRED Sat-1). The satellite was carried into orbit from French Guiana by VERTA 1, the second Vega launcher.

VNRED Sat-1 was built on behalf of the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) in Toulouse, France, by Astrium, Europe's leading space technology company. Its primary mission is to monitor and study the effects of climate change, predict and take measures to prevent natural disasters, and optimize the management of Vietnam's natural resources. It will do this by monitoring the shape of Vietnam's coastlines, the erosion of its rivers, and the condition of its crops and forests.

VNRED Sat-1 has one sole instrument, an optical camera, which is enabled by an e2v backthinned time delay integrated, charged coupled device image sensor. e2v worked closely with Astrium to carefully understand the requirements of the VNRED mission and provide the ideal solution—an e2v image sensor that provides very high sensitivity combined with flexibility of use and a high-level compactness. The optical camera will image at 2.5 m resolution in panchromatic mode and 10 m resolution in multi-spectral mode (four bands) with a 17.5 km swath, and will orbit at 600–700 km in a Sun synchronous orbit.

Jean-Charles Terrien, Marketing Manager of High-Performance Imaging Solutions at e2v, said: "We are very pleased to be continuing our successful relationship with Astrium by supplying high-performance image sensors for VNRED. This mission is another example of how e2v has provided a successful solution for Earth observation applications. We look forward to seeing yet more high resolution images made possible by e2v solutions."

About e2v
e2v is a leading global provider of specialist technology for high performance systems and equipment, delivering solutions, sub-systems, and components for applications within medical and science, aerospace and defense, and commercial and industrial markets.

e2v employs approximately 1,650 people; has design and operational facilities across Europe, North America, and Asia; and has a global network of sales and technical support offices. For the year ended 31 March 2012, e2v reported sales of GBP235m.