Teledyne selected as prime contractor for key sensor on LISA Space Observatory
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
Teledyne Space Imaging has secured the role of Prime Contractor for the Constellation Acquisition Sensor (CAS) instrument, a critical component of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. Teledyne will supply six CIS220 detectors and control electronics, leveraging its advanced detector and electronics technology. This effort is in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space in Switzerland, which will provide the optical head for the CAS instrument.
LISA, an ESA-led initiative supported by NASA and ESA member states, will be the first space observatory dedicated to studying gravitational waves. These ripples in space-time are produced by dramatic cosmic events such as black hole mergers. The mission’s unique approach will enable the exploration of the universe’s history through gravitational wave signals, marking a major advancement in astrophysics and space exploration.
The CAS instrument, led by Teledyne, plays a pivotal role in establishing interferometric laser links between spacecraft positioned in a triangular formation. This integration transforms the constellation into a unified gravitational wave observatory. The mission will investigate the formation of compact binary star systems, map the Milky Way’s structure, trace black hole mergers, and measure the universe’s expansion rate.
Filippo Marliani, ESA’s LISA Project Manager, remarked: “LISA is an endeavour that has never been tried yet. This unique ESA-led mission, made in partnership with our Member States and NASA, will be a breakthrough in astrophysics and space exploration. Teledyne Space Imaging, and its partner Thales Alenia Space in Switzerland, will contribute to make it possible with the challenging work on the CAS instrument. I am very much looking forward to this renewed collaboration with them.”
Daniel Waller, Vice-President and General Manager of Teledyne Space Imaging, emphasized the significance of the project: “We are very excited to be Prime Contractor for the CAS instrument on such an exciting space observatory mission as LISA. Our image sensor technology sits at the cutting edge of what could be a total game changer for the space observation sector. We are thrilled to be consolidating our work with NASA and ESA into 2025 and beyond, especially after our involvement in the UK TRUTHS climate change observation space mission last year.”
Elisabetta Rugi Grond, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Switzerland, expressed pride in her company’s involvement: “We are extremely proud of our contribution to the success of this mission, and look forward to the exciting and challenging developments to come! We are thrilled to collaborate with Teledyne and look forward to strengthening our partnership on other projects in the future. This is not just a contract, but a significant breakthrough in the field of astrophysics and space exploration. We look forward to sharing new information with you as we embark on this ambitious adventure together!”
Alan Soutar, LISA Project Director at Teledyne, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “We recognise that the success of ambitious missions such as LISA depends on collaboration of the best capabilities to push the boundaries of science. We look forward to our partnership with Elisabetta and her team.”
Caroline Harper, Head of Space Science at the UK Space Agency, celebrated the milestone: “Teledyne has a strong heritage in providing cutting-edge sensors and electronics for major space science missions. This contract to deliver a crucial element of the mission hardware marks another milestone for Teledyne in the UK and showcases the importance of global collaboration between space agencies and companies to advance our collective knowledge. We eagerly anticipate the breakthrough science we can expect from LISA, which will enhance our understanding of the Universe and life on Earth.”
Teledyne Space Imaging is recognized globally for its advanced engineering solutions, specializing in space electronics, imaging, and sensor systems critical to the growing space economy.
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