Download Qioptiq Space Technology and the Goldilocks Zone

PRESS RELEASE│PHOTONICS WEST 2012
Qioptiq Space Technology and the Goldilocks Zone
As Kepler continues on its journey in search of life sustaining planets astronomers
announced that they have detected the first Earth-sized planets orbiting a star
similar to our own Sun. In the far distant past it is possible that they may have been
able to support life and even had conditions similar to our own planet - a so-called
Earth-twin.
Press Contact
Craig Taylor
+44(0)1745 588002
+44(0)7827 831519
Craig.taylor
@uk.qioptiq.com
www.qioptiq.com
Kepler is a Space Telescope containing Cover Glass components designed and
manufactured by Qioptiq Space Technology in North Wales, UK. Kepler has been
designed to have its focus fixed on an area corresponding to 1/400th of the sky looking
at more than 155,000 stars. So far it has found 2,326 possible candidate planets with
207 Earth-sized planets, 10 of which are in the "habitable zone" where liquid water can
exist.
Provider of the unique solar cell coverglasses for Kepler
Qioptiq Space Technology provided the unique solar cell coverglasses for Kepler which
protect the solar cells in the harsh environment of space. These cells provide power for
Kepler and damage to these could result in the mission failing. Dave Hughes, General
Manager, QST said “We are proud to be involved in the Kepler program and we watch
the ongoing mission with great interest”
Both newly discovered planets are now
thought to be too hot to be able to
support life. But they were once further
from their star in the so-called
"Goldilocks zone". This is the habitable
region around a star where conditions
are just right for liquid water and
therefore life to exist on the planet.
Image courtesy of NASA
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The discovery shows that Kepler is capable of detecting small planets around stars that
are thousands of light-years away and is important as it is the first confirmation that
planets the size of Earth exist outside our Solar System.
Qioptiq, has now entered their 40th year in the space industry and continue to be world
leaders in the design and manufacture of highly specialised optical space components,
providing 80% of the worlds Optical Solar Reflectors and Coverglasses
With every new discovery Kepler is getting closer to finding an Earth-like planet around
a Sun-like star with the right conditions for water and therefore the possibility of life
and Qioptiq products will be vital components in this discovery.
About Qioptiq
Qioptiq designs and manufactures photonic products and solutions that serve a wide
range of markets and applications in the areas of medical and life sciences, industrial
manufacturing, defense and aerospace, and research and development. The company is
known for its high-quality standard components, products and instruments, its custom
modules and assemblies, its leading-edge innovation, its precision manufacturing and
its responsive global resourcing. Through a series of acquisitions, Qioptiq has an
impressive history and pedigree, and benefits from having integrated the knowledge
and experience of Avimo, Gsänger, LINOS, Optem, Pilkington, Point Source,
Rodenstock, Spindler & Hoyer and others. Qioptiq has a worldwide presence with
locations throughout Europe, Asia and the USA, employs over 2,100 people, and
generated revenues of approximately US$392 million in 2011. For more information,
visit www.qioptiq.com.
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