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PRODUCTS Optronic Activities

Space and Earth Observation Instruments

Sodern has a genuine and recognized expertise in Earth observation instruments as well as in scientific technologies embedded for both civil and military space programs:

  • High-resolution focal plans
  • Detection modules
  • Strip Filters
  • Cameras

    • DTA12 PLEIADES

    HIGH RESOLUTION FOCAL PLANE RESOLUTION

    Designed to meet the goal of increasing resolution, PLEIADES brings together the latest advanced technologies: Time Delay Integration (TDI), strip filters, structures and SiC (Silicon Carbide) mirrors. The use of 10 large CCD detectors in a very compact volume while supporting high thermal power is one of the main features of Pleiades with panchromatic detection and 4 spectral bands and the high resolution it offers: 30,000 pixels in panchromatic mode (PAN) and 7,500 pixels in color mode (XS).

     
    SPOT5 HRS FOCAL PLANE

    HIGH RESOLUTION FOCAL PLANE RESOLUTION

    Thanks to the two specific detection units DTA11 that equip the high-resolution stereoscopic instrument (HRS), the SPOT5 satellite has the capability to successively capture images forward and backward during its movement. Each detection unit consists of a single 12,000-pixel CCD detector and its analog electronics.

     
    DETECTION MODULES

    Main subassembly required for the implementation of very high resolution focal planes, the detection module allows the simultaneous capture of images at the front and at the back during the movement of the satellite. As a very high-tech element, it illustrates Sodern's skills and know-how in:

    - Sensor specifications and implementations,
    - Cleanliness management,
    - Delicate sets,
    - Qualified bonding processes for space,
    - Optics and strip filters
    - Design and implementation of SiC (Silicon Carbide)
    - Electronic Video

     
    STRIP FILTERS

    Strip filters are one of Sodern's flagship technologies for high-performance Earth-observation instruments. Designed to be assembled on detectors to form a multi-spectral detection module, strip filters offer high radiometric and spectral performance, high flexibility (design, spectral characteristics, number of channels) and high precision assembly.

     
    CAMERAS

  • MCP // TARANIS
    Developed for CNES's TARANIS (Tool for the Analysis of Radiations from LightNings and Sprites) micro-satellite, Sodern's MicroCameras and Photometer (MCP) are dedicated to the spatial description of Transient Light Phenomena. They are able to differentiate sprite and lightning through two narrow strips - [757-767 nm] and [772-782 nm] - that provide simultaneous pairs of images of an event.

  • CIM01 // IASI
    Thermal infrared camera based on an uncooled micro-bolometer, CIM01 allows the camera to present very beneficial characteristics in terms of mass, power, volume and cost compared to traditional cooled cameras. This camera is embedded inside the IASI probe flying aboard the Eumetsat MetOp satellites since 2006.

  • IIR // CALIPSO
    The Infrared Imaging Radiometer (IIR) demonstrates the easy adaptation of the CIM01 camera for various applications, mainly due to its modular optics. This IIR instrument was developed for the joint CNES-NASA CALIPSO mission. At the heart of the IIR is the uncooled camera which takes successive images in 3 spectral bands from 8.5 to 12.4 μm, the selection of which is carried out with a filter wheel.

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    Rendez-vous sensors

    Based on its know-how and expertise in star trackers, Sodern has developed navigation cameras and rendezvous sensors that guarantee the reliability of the approach of spacecraft to precisely align their positions.

    VIDEOMETRE

    RENDEZVOUS SENSORS

    The VDM was the key sensor guiding the automatic approach and stowage of the European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) to the International Space Station (ISS). The VDM allowed the first three ATVs to be stowed: Jules Verne in April 2008, Johannes Kepler in February 2011 and Edoardo Amaldi in October 2012.

     
    ARAMIS NEW GENERATION RENDEZ VOUS SENSOR

    RENDEZVOUS SENSORS

    Extension of satellites missions in operation in GEO or withdrawal of satellites debris in LEO are conditioned by the emergence of new sensors which will make it possible to realize reliable appointments towards satellites little or not collaborative. To meet these needs, Sodern has developed the ARAMIS Disruptive Rendezvous Sensor (Autonomous Multi-Mission Integrated Sensor), which will embark on innovative image processing for all phases of these missions, from long distance detection to the final approach.

     

    Technologies & sub-assemblies

    SODERN's expertise in a wide range of technical disciplines has led to the production of outstanding scientific equipment combining cutting-edge technologies in the fields of laser and optics, detection and electronics, Mechanical and thermal engineering.

    SCRAMBLING WINDOWS

    Sodern has been involved in the development of scrambling windows since the early 1990s with the MERIS instrument onboard ENVISAT. Used for electro-optical instruments and especially spectrometers, the equipment makes it possible to avoid the effect of the polarization of light on the radiometric measurement. Sodern was selected for ESA and Airbus Defense and space for the development of the scrambling window of the Sentinel-4 UV-Visible-NIR spectrometer.

     
    OPTICAL SWITCHES

    As part of the Horizon 2020 European Research and Innovation program, Sodern is developing the optical switches that will be installed on the photonic communication satellite demonstrator by the end of 2018.