September 3, 2025. cosine, a global leader in the development of space instruments, and Siltronic AG, one of the leading manufacturers of wafers for the advanced semiconductor industry, are pleased to announce a special collaboration. The aim of this partnership is to provide key technologies for ESA’s (European Space Agency) next generation of high energy astrophysics, the NewAthena (New Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics) space telescope.
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The subject of the collaboration is high-quality 300 mm silicon wafers from Siltronic AG, which cosine processes into state-of-the-art X-ray optics called “Silicon Pore Optics” (SPO). This SPO technology is a key component of NewAthena’s revolutionary mirror system and forms the central component of its X-ray optics.
Dr. RĂĽdiger Schmolke, Chief Technology Officer of Siltronic AG, comments: “We are very pleased to be able to make a significant contribution to the realization of NewAthena’s novel X-ray optics with our technology.”
Max Collon, Managing Director of cosine innovations, explains: “The precision and purity of Siltronic’s wafers enable cosine to produce lightweight, high-resolution optics that meet the demanding performance requirements for space applications.”
The NewAthena will be the largest X-ray telescope ever built. It was developed as part of ESA’s Cosmic Vision program and will explore the hot and energetic universe from black holes to galaxy clusters. It is based on cosine’s innovative SPO (Silicon Pore Optics) technology, which uses wafer materials of the highest uniformity and flawless quality.
As one of the leading wafer manufacturers, Siltronic is globally oriented and has production facilities in Asia, Europe and the USA. Silicon wafers are the foundation of the modern semiconductor industry and the basis for chips in all areas of electronic applications – from computers and smartphones to electric cars and wind turbines. International and customer-oriented, the company consistently focuses on quality, precision, innovation and growth. Siltronic AG employs around 4,400 people worldwide and has been listed in the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange since 2015. The shares of Siltronic AG are represented in the two stock market indices SDAX and TecDAX.
cosine is a global leader in the development of space instruments, such as Silicon Pore Optic for astronomy and remote sensing solutions with onboard analytics for earth observation and planetary science. cosine combines physics and technology to provide innovative solutions for its customers. Since 1998, cosine has been developing and supplying innovative measurement systems for space and industrial applications. The company operates more than 1,000 m2 of clean rooms and state-of-the-art assembly facilities to build and test the systems we produce for customers at our headquarters in Sassenheim, the Netherlands, and at subsidiaries in Berlin, Germany, and Benevento, Italy.
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👉 www.siltronic.com
👉 Information on NewAthena on the ESA website
Photo: pixabay
