We are looking forward to participating in the 13th edition of the International Conference on Space Optics, co-organised by ESA and CNES. It is the largest meeting worldwide of experts working in Optical, Optoelectronic and Photonic Technologies for Space Applications.

This year, the Space Optics Community comes together for a virtual edition of the four-day event between 30 March - 02 April. The purpose is to exchange information and ideas on optical technologies for space missions. Technology experts and mission experts unite to review and learn from past developments and identify subsequent advances in lightwave technologies and techniques for all types of Space Missions.

On 01 April, Dr Matt Edgar will be presenting a paper entitled 'Advanced Laser Sources For Sentinel-5/UVNS Instrument Calibration' during Session 31, 'Calibration & Laser Technology'.

Building on its work with Sentinel 5-P, M Squared developed a new generation of systems for the Sentinel-5/UVNS instrument - a spectrometer developed within the Copernicus program for monitoring trace gas concentrations and aerosols in Earth's atmosphere with unprecedented accuracy and resolution. The satellite spectrometers' performance in orbit relies upon accurate characterisation and radiometric calibration of the optical ground support equipment (OGSE). M Squared developed a series of advanced laser systems that provide rapid scanning across 260-2700 nm with several unique features that surpass the stringent source requirements throughout the mission lifetime.

M Squared's laser systems represent a significant leap forward in laser technology (remote control, automation, gapless wavelength coverage (UV to SWIR)), so join Dr Matt Edgar at the event for a deep dive into the technology, the engineering achievements and the results. The paper will also be published in the ICSO proceedings and SPIE Digital Library in «Open Access»

Read the abstract on the conference website or find out more about the event more generally by visiting the ICSO website.