Media Lario S.r.l., a world leader in high-precision optics and optical systems, announced that the European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Media Lario’s unique technology for the alignment and integration of the optical system of the ATHENA telescope for further development.
ATHENA, one of the large-scale missions of ESA’s Cosmic Vision program, is an X-ray space telescope to be launched into orbit in 2031. The telescope’s primary optical system is comprised of 700 mirror modules, allprecisely aligned within a Titanium structure. ATHENA will be placed in orbit 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. From this position, the 2.5-meter diameter telescope will provide unparalleled observations of high energy phenomena enabling further deep insights into the history of the Universe.
The integration process leverages on Media Lario’s 25-year experience in the manufacturing and integration of the optical systems for space X-ray missions such as Beppo-SAX, SWIFT, XMM-Newton and eROSITA. For this project, Media Lario has partnered with industrial and scientific experts that include ADS International, BCV Progetti, Cosine Research, Astronomical Observatory of Brera (INAF) and Thales Alenia Space. Media Lario would also like to recognize the participation of Dr. Paolo Conconi of the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF).
This important success is the topic of a press conference that will be held on October 31th at 12:30 in Media Lario headquarters in Bosisio Parini (LC). Prominent representatives of Italian scientific research will participate at the conference. Following the event, a guided tour of Media Lario facility will be offered to the attendants.
Those wishing to attend the event are kindly asked to confirm to ufficiostampa@aglaiasrl.it or 338 7643871.