MATS, part of CERAM subsidiary CSMA, has secured a major contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The now joint team of experts at CSMA-MATS will provide consultancy and analytical services for the ESA, including research into possible threats to the critical optical components of the AEOLUS satellite (due for launch in 2008), such as laser-induced damage or contamination.

Lead by Professor H. Kheyrandish, the contract was awarded on the basis of the expertise and experience offered by CSMA-MATS on the analysis of optical coatings and surface contamination. CSMA-MATS is now the UK's biggest single entity for commercial surface and materials characterisation, with the most diverse range of specialist, state-of-the-art instrumentation.

Tony Kinsella, managing director at CSMA-MATS, comments: “The contract is testament to how well the MATS and CSMA teams have combined to create an organisation with unique expertise in predicting potential problems, defining their exact nature and then being able to test a range of solutions for effectiveness and durability.”

“Specifically the MATS team has added a huge amount of expertise relating to materials science and its industrial application, a fact beneficial to our client base in the UK and around the world.”

CSMA-MATS is currently undergoing a period of growth in its business, with distribution agreements, strategic partnerships and alliances coming in to force in a growing number of territories around the world.

For further information on the range of services offered by CSMA-MATS, please contact Dr Justine Bentley on +44 (0)1782 764235 or email justinebentley@csma.ltd.uk