e2v sensors guide unmanned spacecraft to International Space Station

APRIL 7, 2008--On 9 March 2008, e2v (Chelmsford, UK; www.e2v.com) image sensors were launched into space on-board the European Space Agency (ESA) Jules Verne spacecraft, the first automated transfer vehicle (ATV) to be sent to the International Space Station. e2v CCD47-20 image sensors were selected by EADS SODERN as part of the two key systems it delivered for the ATV: an SED16 star tracker, an optical device used for determining the orientation of the spacecraft by measuring its position relative to stars, and a Videometer, a system EADS SODERN developed that is the primary rendezvous and docking sensor for the spacecraft. The Jules Verne ATV was carried into orbit from the launch site in French Guiana and hauled almost 7 tons of cargo to the Station 400 km above the Earth.

Brian McAllister, aerospace general manager at e2v, said, "e2v has a long relationship with SODERN and the ESA. We are pleased to deliver imaging sensors for navigation and docking that directly enabled the successful delivery of supplies to the International Space Station."