e2v aerospace and defense (e2v a&d), a leading provider of solutions for space, announces that the Space Dynamics Laboratory, a unit of Utah State University Research Foundation (SDL/USURF), has chosen e2v a&d to provide the image sensors for the MIGHTI (Michelson Interferometer for Global High-resolution Thermospheric Imaging) instrument on NASA’s Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite.

MIGHTI will measure winds and temperatures in a portion of the Earth’s upper atmosphere 50-200 miles high, known as the “thermosphere.” Atmospheric gases in this layer become charged and are heated to very high temperatures by solar radiation.  In particular, MIGHTI will investigate the movement of oxygen in this layer in order to better understand the connection between Earth’s weather and the weather in space.

e2v will provide two 2048 x 4096 pixel Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) image sensors to equip the instrument. The sensors will be back-illuminated, coated with an anti-reflective coating to improve their sensitivity and operated in the frame transfer mode. 

e2v is a market leader in the design and development of imaging solutions and specializes in offering high resolution, high sensitivity, and low noise image sensors that can be supplied in various package options including ceramic, metal, and silicon carbide. These products are used in space, astronomy, science and defense applications.

“e2v’s image sensors have provided the “eyes” for instruments on over 150 space missions including the Hubble Space Telescope and Mars Curiosity Rover,” stated Mr. Robert Brevelle, President of e2v a&d.  “We are honored to have been selected for MIGHTI, and we look forward to supporting NASA and the Space Dynamics Laboratory on the project.”

About e2v aerospace and defense inc: e2v aerospace and defense inc. (e2v a&d) is a leading provider of RF power, imaging and hi-rel semiconductor solutions to the North American aerospace and defense industry.
e2v a&d offers a diverse portfolio of products and services, including wideband RF components and sub-systems, high performance imaging sensors and cameras, and hi-rel semiconductor products and lifecycle management services to ensure long-term continuity of supply.