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Optical Surfaces Optics Help SSTL Win Prestigious Award

Company News Tuesday, April 9, 2013: EngNet - Engineering Network

NigeriaSat-2 a highly advanced Earth observation satellite, incorporating a high performance camera with key optical components manufactured by Optical Surfaces Ltd, has helped Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) win the 2012 Sir Arthur Clarke award for "Best Space Activity - Industry / project". The prestigious awards, held by the British Interplanetary Society since 2005, recognise notable contributions to the UK space sector.

NigeriaSat-2 is a 300kg class earth observation satellite manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) for the Nigerian space agency (NASRDA). Benefiting from a high performance Camera with optical components manufactured by Optical Surfaces Ltd. the satellite has been able to capture stunning 2.5m resolution images enabling detailed analysis of ground structures, aircraft and vehicles.

NigeriaSat-2 carries two imagers: a 2.5m resolution panchromatic and a 5m resolution multispectral with a swath width of 20 kilometres.  Using proprietary production techniques, Optical Surfaces' skilled craftsmen produced the 385mm light-weighted primary mirror, and other optics in the Cassegrain camera, with a surface accuracy of lambda/20 p-v that has enabled the high resolution images taken by the satellite.

Optical Surfaces Ltd has produced optical components and systems for more than 45 years and is now accepted as one of Europe's leading manufacturers of high-precision optics for satellite deployment and astronomical research.  The company's ISO 9001-2008 approved manufacturing workshops and test facilities are deep underground in a series of tunnels excavated in solid chalk where temperature remains constant and vibration is practically non-existent. With such stable conditions testing, particularly with long path lengths, becomes quantifiable and reliable. Working with these natural advantages is a highly skilled team of craftsmen with a commitment to excellence in both product quality and customer service.

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world's leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science and communications. The company design, manufacture and operate high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with spacecraft, with over 500 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments. Since 1981 SSTL has launched 41 satellites as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA and commercial customers which are changing the economics of space. Based in Guildford, UK, SSTL is owned by EADS Astrium BV. www.sstl.co.uk

For further information please contact Optical Surfaces Ltd by telephone on +44-208-668-6126 or email sales@optisurf.com