RPI, Hokkaido University to Collaborate on Semiconductor Development: Week in Brief: 8/23/24

Lockheed Martin, a defense technology company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Terran Orbital, a satellite-based aerospace and defense solutions company and member of the Lockheed Martin Ventures investment fund portfolio. Lockheed Martin uses Terran Orbital's satellites for its work with the Space Development Agency's Transport and Tracking Layer programs and in several of its self-funded technology demonstrations. The transaction, which is valued at approximately $450 million, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024.

KINGSTON, Ontario — Fiber laser sources and solutions company IPG Photonics is investing more than CAD $21 million ($15.4 million) to build a new production facility in Kingston, Ontario. The 37,300 sq ft facility will expand production, meet growing demand of the automotive and consumer electronics industries, and create 20 new jobs, according to the company.

SHERBROOKE, Québec — SBQuantum, a developer of quantum diamond magnetometers, has been awarded two contracts from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), respectively. The ESA will assess both the reliability and accuracy of SBQuantum’s sensor technology as well as how its sensors could be deployed on a satellite in space for a range of applications. The CSA’s contract will focus on testing the company’s magnetometer at an altitude of 40 km as part of its stratospheric balloon program where it will be exposed to radiation and -60 °C temperatures. SBQuantum’s magnetometers use red light produced by electron pairs excited by a green laser to map the earth’s magnetic field.

IRVINE, Calif. — Advanced connectivity solutions company Mobix Labs Inc. intends to acquire J-Mark Connectors Inc. The acquisition of J-Mark Connectors is expected to enhance Mobix Labs’ sales strategy through its experience with electromagnetic interference interconnect solutions, particularly in the military, aerospace, and defense sectors. Financial terms of the acquisition — expected to close this month — were not disclosed.

President of Hokkaido University Kiyohiro Houkin (left) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) president Martin A. Schmidt signing the letter of intent accompanied by representatives from the Rapidus Corporation, Hokkaido government, RPI, and IBM. Courtesy of RPI.

RENSSELAER, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Hokkaido University of Japan have signed a letter of intent to explore collaborative opportunities in semiconductor education and research to contribute to semiconductor workforce development initiatives. This comes after semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus and Hokkaido University formed a collaboration around semiconductor education and research.

The Hyperfield-1 microsatellite. Courtesy of Kuva Space.

HELSINKI, Finland — Hyperspectral microsatellite company Kuva Space has launched its first commercial microsatellite mission, Hyperfield-1, on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 smallsat rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Hyperfield-1 is equipped with a patented hyperspectral camera that can identify crop species, growth stages, and biomass health; forecast yields and harvest times; and monitor biodiversity, algae blooms, water quality, and illegal vessel activities. The second satellite, Hyperfield-1B, will be deployed in the first quarter of 2025 as part of the European Space Agency InCubed program. The company plans to deploy up to 100 satellites by 2030.

Leonardo DRS’ FWS-S weapon sights. Courtesy of Leonardo DRS.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Leonardo DRS, Inc., a provider of defense technology, has received a $52 million order for continued production of its advanced sniper weapon sights for the U.S. Army under its current Family of Weapon Sights–Sniper (FWS-S) contract. FWS-S is a clip-on thermal weapon sight used in conjunction with existing daytime sniper optics to provide rapid target acquisition capabilities during day and night. The sighting system gives users the ability to acquire targets in a range of difficult environmental conditions, including smoke or fog, providing strategic and tactical advantages to the sniper.