Bertin Technologies signed a contract with the Space Test Center of IABG (Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH) for the design, manufacture, validation, delivery, and on-site qualification of an Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE) for its new Competence Center Optics (CCO). This collaboration, which materialized on July 2, 2023, marks a significant milestone: it is the first contract between Bertin and IABG, thus paving the way to new commercial prospects in the German space market.

Located in München, Germany, the IABG’s Space Test Center offers environmental test campaigns, qualification tests, technical analyses, as well as studies and consulting services. As part of the creation of the Competence Center Optics (CCO), IABG called upon Bertin Technologies for the design, manufacture, calibration, and assembly of an optical ground support equipment to test, characterize and calibrate optical instruments on board satellites.

Bertin Technologies will thus supply a complex test and calibration bench, based on the customer’s specifications, comprising two optical assemblies – the Radiation Source Assembly (RSA) and the Calibration Source Assembly (CSA) – to be mounted in a vacuum chamber, as well as a remote control and command system. Those two assemblies will enable the radiometric and spectral calibration of instruments on board satellites, therefore checking their optical performance.

IABG selected Bertin Technologies for its recognized expertise in OGSE, its adaptability to customer’s specific needs and its ability to propose alternative and innovative solutions. The success of this project will largely depend on managing the tight deadlines and demanding performance requirements, as well as adapting the systems to existing interfaces. This example of co-engineering also illustrates Bertin’s ability to meet technical and industrial challenges while working with partners of international stature.

This promising project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2025, and already heralds exciting new commercial opportunities for Bertin Technologies. It also strengthens its position as a key player in the European space industry, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to innovation and technological excellence.