Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems Ltd. announced that through its subsidiary, Elop Electro-Optics Industries Ltd., the company has entered into a teaming agreement with AeroAstro, Inc., a small satellite technology company for the development of advanced micro and nano space systems and components, with a special focus on remote sensing and optical systems.
With the teaming agreement between the two companies in place, an equity investment by Elbit Systems for a minority share of AeroAstro is anticipated to be concluded as soon as regulatory authority is obtained.
Since its inception in 1988, AeroAstro has been developing small, low-cost spacecraft. As component size, mass, power and cost continue to shrink, AeroAstro has pioneered new small satellite applications in astrophysics, communications and technology development and verification.
Over the last decade Elbit Systems, through El-Op, created highly capable optical systems for space research, earth imagery and other remote sensing applications, which are compatible—in terms of mass, volume and power consumption, as well as budget—with highly efficient micro and nano spacecraft.
As microspace grows and matures, its market continues to evolve, and the Elbit Systems/AeroAstro team is addressing the ever-changing needs of these customers.
David Stavitsky, chief scientist of Elbit Systems', noted: "By forging a close working relationship, Elbit Systems and AeroAstro can now provide end- to-end on-orbit solutions across a variety of space applications, particularly in remote sensing. Rather than force-fitting an existing payload design into a previously designed spacecraft bus, this team provides a completely integrated solution, yielding high performance in small, light, inexpensive and reliable products."
AeroAstro CEO Rick Fleeter said, "The future of microspace will be in part, built on providing cost-effective results to new users worldwide. The Elbit Systems/AeroAstro team has the reach and expertise to bring the benefits of space to the increasingly diverse user community. As these new participants bring their needs to space, they will spur development of new, advanced space systems capabilities and architectures.”
“Elbit Systems and AeroAstro, the only team in microspace combining leaders in payload and space systems, is uniquely positioned to work with users to pioneer the next generation of single and multiple spacecraft solutions," he added. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
