Sensors & InstrumentsAIR, Space & GROUND
From electro-optical sensors and synthetic aperture radar to calibration services and thermal management systems, SDL delivers sensor solutions that enable informed decisions through data collection and analysis for science and military applications.
Sensors & Instruments
SDL has over 60 years of experience in remote and in-situ sensing. We design, build, and test UV through IR science instruments as well as space, airborne, and maritime ISR systems. These systems collect critical imagery and other data products for applications such as astronomy, atmospheric research, missile detection, track custody, space domain awareness, and tactical reconnaissance. Our expertise covers a wide range of sensor types and applications, including electro-optical, space environments, radar, lidar, pointing control, and environmental sampling.
Meet or Exceed Requirements
As a Government and industry partner, SDL develops creative and effective solutions to customers’ engineering challenges. Our teams perform rigorous system design analysis, risk assessment, and trade studies to ensure that requirements are developed to meet mission needs.
Meet or Exceed Requirements
As a Government and industry partner, SDL develops creative and effective solutions to customers’ engineering challenges. Our teams perform rigorous system design analysis, risk assessment, and trade studies to ensure that requirements are developed to meet mission needs.
Comprehensive Proof-of-Concept
SDL’s engineers use cost-effective simulation tools to inform the design and ensure all performance metrics are met. We use sensor modeling tools to analyze:
- Structural & thermal integrity
- Control system performance
- Optical imaging & stray light performance
- E/O sensor radiometric performance
- In-situ environment survivability
- Radar performance modeling
- Dim target, low-noise detection & tracking
Comprehensive Proof-of-Concept
SDL’s engineers use cost-effective simulation tools to inform the design and ensure all performance metrics are met. We use sensor modeling tools to analyze:
- Structural & thermal integrity
- Control system performance
- Optical imaging & stray light performance
- E/O sensor radiometric performance
- In-situ environment survivability
- Radar performance modeling
- Dim target, low-noise detection & tracking
Cutting-Edge Sensors & Instruments
Successful sensor system and instrument design requires the unique capability to combine optical, electrical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineering. SDL has specialized personnel in each discipline and a strong heritage of building reliable sensor systems and instruments for space and terrestrial applications.
Cutting-Edge Sensors & Instruments
Successful sensor system and instrument design requires the unique capability to combine optical, electrical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineering. SDL has specialized personnel in each discipline and a strong heritage of building reliable sensor systems and instruments for space and terrestrial applications.
Test Before You Fly
For over 60 years, SDL has developed extensive system, instrument, and component testing capabilities for space, airborne, and miniaturized systems. We specialize in sensor calibration and characterization, payload integration, and payload environmental testing. Explore our facilities below for more information.
- Fabrication
- Assembly & Integration
- Test & Calibration
- Secure Facilities
Test Before You Fly
For over 60 years, SDL has developed extensive system, instrument, and component testing capabilities for space, airborne, and miniaturized systems. We specialize in sensor calibration and characterization, payload integration, and payload environmental testing. Explore our facilities below for more information.
- Fabrication
- Assembly & Integration
- Test & Calibration
- Secure Facilities
Mission Support
SDL provides full mission operations support, including launch vehicle procurement and integration, mission planning, commanding, experiment plan execution, mission data processing, data exploitation, and data dissemination.
Our assets include mission operations centers, experienced operators, and connectivity to Government and commercial ground terminal networks.
Mission Support
SDL provides full mission operations support, including launch vehicle procurement and integration, mission planning, commanding, experiment plan execution, mission data processing, data exploitation, and data dissemination.
Our assets include mission operations centers, experienced operators, and connectivity to Government and commercial ground terminal networks.
Meet or Exceed Requirements
As a Government and industry partner, SDL develops creative and effective solutions to customers’ engineering challenges. Our teams perform rigorous system design analysis, risk assessment, and trade studies to ensure that requirements are developed to meet mission needs.
Meet or Exceed Requirements
As a Government and industry partner, SDL develops creative and effective solutions to customers’ engineering challenges. Our teams perform rigorous system design analysis, risk assessment, and trade studies to ensure that requirements are developed to meet mission needs.
Comprehensive Proof-of-Concept
SDL’s engineers use cost-effective simulation tools to inform the design and ensure all performance metrics are met. We use sensor modeling tools to analyze:
- Structural & thermal integrity
- Control system performance
- Optical imaging & stray light performance
- E/O sensor radiometric performance
- In-situ environment survivability
- Radar performance modeling
- Dim target, low-noise detection & tracking
Comprehensive Proof-of-Concept
SDL’s engineers use cost-effective simulation tools to inform the design and ensure all performance metrics are met. We use sensor modeling tools to analyze:
- Structural & thermal integrity
- Control system performance
- Optical imaging & stray light performance
- E/O sensor radiometric performance
- In-situ environment survivability
- Radar performance modeling
- Dim target, low-noise detection & tracking
Cutting-Edge Sensors & Instruments
Successful sensor system and instrument design requires the unique capability to combine optical, electrical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineering. SDL has specialized personnel in each discipline and a strong heritage of building reliable sensor systems and instruments for space and terrestrial applications.
Cutting-Edge Sensors & Instruments
Successful sensor system and instrument design requires the unique capability to combine optical, electrical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineering. SDL has specialized personnel in each discipline and a strong heritage of building reliable sensor systems and instruments for space and terrestrial applications.
Test Before You Fly
For over 60 years, SDL has developed extensive system, instrument, and component testing capabilities for space, airborne, and miniaturized systems. We specialize in sensor calibration and characterization, payload integration, and payload environmental testing. Explore our facilities below for more information.
- Fabrication
- Assembly & Integration
- Test & Calibration
- Secure Facilities
Test Before You Fly
For over 60 years, SDL has developed extensive system, instrument, and component testing capabilities for space, airborne, and miniaturized systems. We specialize in sensor calibration and characterization, payload integration, and payload environmental testing. Explore our facilities below for more information.
- Fabrication
- Assembly & Integration
- Test & Calibration
- Secure Facilities
Mission Support
SDL provides full mission operations support, including launch vehicle procurement and integration, mission planning, commanding, experiment plan execution, mission data processing, data exploitation, and data dissemination.
Our assets include mission operations centers, experienced operators, and connectivity to Government and commercial ground terminal networks.
Mission Support
SDL provides full mission operations support, including launch vehicle procurement and integration, mission planning, commanding, experiment plan execution, mission data processing, data exploitation, and data dissemination.
Our assets include mission operations centers, experienced operators, and connectivity to Government and commercial ground terminal networks.
Key Supporting Technologies
SDL’s comprehensive sensor and instrument capabilities include world-class calibration and thermal management solutions.
Thermal Straps & Technologies
Inventor of the solderless flexible thermal strap, innovative thermal technology developer, and trusted thermal subsystems partner.
Calibration & Characterization
Providing world-class instrument and component calibration and test for space and airborne systems.