Carbon fiber space optics

A consortium including Irish composites manufacturer ÉireComposites has been formed to scale up the production of optical instruments used in satellite communication.

As part of the €4.1 million Freeform-OPTIX project, optics specialist Mbryonics, based in Galway, will work with ÉireComposites to develop large-scale carbon fiber manufacturing capabilities to be tested by the University of Galway and research and technology organization Irish Manufacturing Research.

“This impressive group will bring innovation and precision manufacturing of freeform optics to in-factory demonstration maturity, refining communication, and dramatically boosting the space industry in the West of Ireland,” a press release said.