2024-11-13 15:30:00
In industrial matters, the sovereignty of a country is essential, and even more so when it comes to sensitive sectors. This is the case for electronic equipment such as semiconductors, an area where a French SME, NanoXplore, designs programmable components intended for the space industry. These components, called “FPGAs”, intended in particular for satellite on-board computers, have the particularity of being resistant to radiation.
“We are in a niche market which allows us to exist against American giants such as Intel, AMD or Microchip, otherwise it would be impossible”, recognizes Edouard Lepape, who has been running this factory-free company for eleven years, founded in 2010 by his father, Olivier Lepape. The components are manufactured at STMicroelectronics, in Grenoble and Rennes.
In 2014, a first contract worth 3 million euros was signed with the National Center for Space Studies (CNES), allowing the company to start. Since then, it has been supported by various organizations, such as the Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) and the European Space Agency, due to its strategic nature. And benefits from numerous funding. “It’s a question of gaining independence from China and the United States, estimates Jean-Claude Souyris, deputy technical and digital director at CNES. Thus, in fifteen years, the company has acquired almost unique experience in Europe. This allowed it to position itself on scientific and defense missions, and on the new generation of telecommunications satellites. »
Profitability of 20% to 30%
She components notably equip the James-Webb telescope, launched in December 2021, and the Galileo radio guidance system, which entered service in 2016. And its customers, numbering around fifty, are the main players in space, such as Airbus Defense and Space, Thales Alenia Space and OHB, but also the MBDA missile.
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**Interview with Dr. Sophie Martin, Astronomer and Expert on Reflecting Telescopes**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Martin! We’re excited to have you here to discuss the fascinating world of reflecting telescopes.
**Dr. Martin:** Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to share insights about these incredible tools of astronomy.
**Host:** To start, can you explain what a reflecting telescope is and how it differs from other types?
**Dr. Martin:** Absolutely! A reflecting telescope uses mirrors to gather and focus light. This is different from refracting telescopes, which use lenses. The primary advantage of reflecting telescopes is that they can be built larger than refractors, enabling the collection of more light and thus allowing us to see fainter objects in the universe.
**Host:** That’s fascinating! I’ve heard about two popular types of reflecting telescopes: the Newtonian and the Cassegrain. Can you briefly describe their features?
**Dr. Martin:** Certainly! The Newtonian telescope, invented by Sir Isaac Newton, features a simple design with a primary mirror and a flat secondary mirror that directs light to the eyepiece on the side. The Cassegrain telescope, on the other hand, has a more compact design, using a combination of a primary mirror and a convex secondary mirror to focus light through an opening in the primary. This makes it more portable and often preferred for professional use.
**Host:** What are the advantages and disadvantages of reflecting telescopes?
**Dr. Martin:** One of the biggest advantages is their ability to manage large apertures without significant distortion. They’re generally easier to build and maintain than large refractors. However, disadvantages include the potential for mirror misalignment and the need for regular maintenance to keep the mirrors clean and properly aligned.
**Host:** Interesting! How has the design of reflecting telescopes evolved over time, particularly with missions like the James Webb Space Telescope?
**Dr. Martin:** The James Webb Space Telescope is a prime example of modern reflecting telescope design. It features a segmented mirror that’s larger than anything we’ve previously built, allowing it to collect light from very distant galaxies. Innovations in materials and coatings for mirrors have also improved their performance, especially in reducing light loss and enhancing sharpness.
**Host:** Lastly, Dr. Martin, who would you say paved the way for this technology?
**Dr. Martin:** The foundation was laid by pioneers like Galileo, but Sir Isaac Newton is often credited with the invention of the reflecting telescope. Since then, many astronomers and engineers have contributed to its advancement, which continues to shape our understanding of the universe today.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Martin, for sharing your expertise with us. Reflecting telescopes truly are remarkable instruments that have expanded our horizons!
**Dr. Martin:** It was my pleasure! Thank you for having me.
