Tag: MSG

LYNRED at the forefront of the next mission of Meteosat Third Generation Sounder

LYNRED, a global leader in infrared (IR) imaging technologies, announces that two completely new products, IRS MW-IR and LW-IR, have just been launched today by taking off to space. These two space qualified sensors are specifically designed for sounding applications within the infrared MWIR to VLWIR spectral range. They will play a crucial role in the Meteosat Third Generation Sounder mission (MTG-S1), that took off  from Cape Canaveral, Florida on July 1, 2025 at 5.03 p.m Eastern Day Time (11.03 p.m. Central European Time). The MTG-S1 satellite carries two key missions: the Infrared Sounder (IRS) and the Copernicus Sentinel-4 Ultraviolet-Visible-Near-Infrared light imaging spectrometer (UVN), now on their way to their positioning 36,000 km above Earth.

The MTG system is the most complex and innovative geostationary weather satellite system ever built. The main objective of the MTG-S (Sounder) mission is to enhance Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) capabilities at regional and global scales. The IRS will be the first European hyperspectral infrared sounder instrument in geostationary orbit.

Its predecessor, the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG), featured an IR imager only. The MTG-S1 however incorporates the innovative IRS sounder, equipped with two detectors: the LYNRED staring array IRS-MWIR and the LYNRED staring array IRS-LWIR (160 x 160 – 90μm pitch). This new generation of meteorological sounders utilizes cutting-edge infrared detectors developed as part of a world-class Earth observation program in collaboration with European partners, addressing major scientific and societal challenges.

 

Unprecedented performances for space sounding applications

The IRS detector, based on LYNRED‘s space-proven MCT technology, is a one of its kind worldwide regarding format and large spectral range with such a high cut-off wavelength, delivering exceptional performance for space sounding applications. Key features include:

  • A definition tailored for Fourier Transform Spectrometry (FTS) sounding applications and related InfraRed Instruments (FTIR).
  • A broad dynamic range suitable for the MWIR to VLWIR spectral range, extending up to 15μm.
  • Proven technology that meets stringent operability requirements up to 15μm.
  • High operability and outstanding radiometric performance (SNR).

The IRS is the first detector in the world to achieve this high resolution (160 x 160 – 90μm pitch) with an impressive spectral response cut-off wavelength of 15 µm.

The release of this advanced IR detector paves the way for developing a new generation of sounding instruments, offering enhanced performance, including improved spectral accuracy, higher ground resolution, and increased revisit frequency.

Philippe Chorier, Space Business Development Manager at LYNRED, stated: “The launch of the IRS satellite, equipped with the IRS MW and LW detectors, validates the availability of a new generation of IR detectors specifically designed for next-generation FTIR instruments in space sounding missions. This detector is truly unique worldwide, with characteristics such as format, pitch, dynamic range, spectral range and frame frequency that promise to usher in a new era of FTIR instrument capabilities for future sounding missions from 3 to 15 µm.”
More than 15 years of R&D led by the European Space Agency

LYNRED developed the IRS detector for both MW and LW bands in accordance with the specifications provided by Thales Alenia Space (France), responsible for the detection chain and overall satellite delivery. OHB-System (Germany) handled the instrument definition. This collaborative effort was managed by the European Space Agency (ESA), who oversees the space segment implementation of the MTG program for the benefit of EUMETSAT.

Sounding missions utilizing Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectrometers require specialized infrared detectors capable of handling the unique demands of high-end space instruments. These include a wide dynamic range of flux across an extensive spectral range and the ability to operate at very high frame rates (typically exceeding a few kHz). Historically, constructing these instruments has been challenging due to the lack of suitable infrared detectors that meet the specific requirements.

Through the IRS MTG-S program, LYNRED has successfully developed a specialized IRS detector that meets the expectations of the addressed instruments, overcoming significant technical challenges to enable the design of FTIR spectrometers operating from 3 µm to 15 µm.

“We anticipate that the success of this collaboration will demonstrate the feasibility of a new generation of FTIR systems based on the IRS detectors developed for the IRS MTG-S program, with plans for these detectors to be utilized in numerous future sounding systems.” concluded Philippe Chorier.

 

A significant step ahead for climate monitoring

The IRS will offer a dynamic view of the atmosphere above the Earth. Scanning Europe every 30 minutes, it will collect vertical temperature and humidity profiles with unprecedented accuracy. The data will enhance forecasting of atmospheric instability, water vapor movement, and extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, tropical cyclones, and winter storms.

The combination with imaging satellites will make it possible for the first time to observe the full lifecycle of a convective storm from space. It will revolutionize weather forecasting and climate monitoring in Europe, and beyond.

MGS Manufacturing Ltd, one to watch as it announces €7m investment in Co. Kildare facility

MGS’s ambitious expansion plans for its Leixlip plant in Kildare were announced today by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar.

MGS Manufacturing’s plans are being driven by the company’s continued success and growth within the healthcare sector.  Focusing on the manufacture of high precision medical device components has expedited the company’s growth over the past number of years.

The €7m investment will see a 20,000ft extension to the plant located on the Kildare Innovation Campus, housing ISO class 8 cleanrooms, new offices, injection moulding machines, precision measurement laboratory and warehousing space.

Established in Wisconsin, USA in 1982 initially as a small mould making shop, MGS MFG now spans 11 facilities around the world, employs more than 1200 people globally and completed the acquisition of Formteknik in Europe in early 2021.  The Ireland plant, established in 2011, has continued to go from strength to strength over the last decade, employing 120 locally with plans to double this footprint to meet the new facility’s needs, further investing in the local community and infrastructure.

The Tánaiste said: “Congratulations to the entire team at MSG Manufacturing Ltd. on this further expansion of the company’s Irish operations, which will create 100 new jobs. This investment is a testament to the existing staff and a real vote of confidence in the local community. I wish the team all the very best with their ambitious plans.”  

Speaking at MGS’ Leixlip facility, CEO Paul Manley said: ‘’As a company hitting our 40 year milestone this year, we’ve had an exceptional journey.  MGS has adapted and grown exponentially to meet customer demand and expectations, and today has eleven strategically placed specialised manufacturing facilities around the world.  With every step, we challenge, improve and diversify.  We stay true to our values of teamwork, integrity, passion and safety – the cornerstones of our business and delivery mechanism to our clients.  The Ireland plant has been on a pathway to success growing steadily since it opened in 2011.  Our success in Ireland is due to the dedication and hard work of the best people in plastics, meaning today we’re able to announce a further jobs boost, which we’re very proud of.  We look forward to further development within the healthcare sector, supporting both existing clients and potential new projects as the business continues to grow and harness our competitive advantage.’’

IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said: “MGS Manufacturing Ltd. has grown and evolved its operations from the manufacture of printer cartridges for HP to injection moulding with 120 people currently employed. This announcement of a €7M investment in new cleanrooms, offices and equipment here on Kildare Innovation Campus, which will create a further 100 jobs, marks a significant milestone in their growth in Ireland. The benefit of this company’s presence in Kildare to the local economy and in terms of employment, is considerable. I wish them every success with their operations in this new location.”

MGS Ireland Site Lead Michael Finneran said: ‘’When we set up back in 2011, we had ambitions to grow the site into the future.  Like every business, we were eager to establish ourselves and firmly make our mark in the sector.  We started out supporting HP on site in the manufacturing of ink jet cartridges and as the business grew, we diversified into medical devices which is now the predominant sector we focus on.  We’re extremely excited for this next phase of growth, to be able to bring more jobs to the sector and in so doing, support the local economy and infrastructure as well.  Our journey doesn’t stop here, this is just one of what we hope to be the many stepping stones in our story of growth to come over the next decade and beyond.’’

The investment brings with it a number of new roles – multiple opportunities for professional growth across all busine