General Atomics Synopta GmbH

General Atomics Synopta GmbH, Eggersriet (CH), is a Swiss company that is specialized in the design and production of high data rate laser communication systems and associated equipment for space and ground-based applications. Furthermore, GA Synopta produces optical/mechanical test equipment and offers engineering services for the development of optoelectronic instrumentation. In addition, GA Synopta offers also consultancy in the field of international business development for government related business (aerospace/defence sector). The initial Synopta business portfolio concentrated on consultancy and systems engineering services focused on the aerospace and defense sector in Europe and in the U.S. After the first two years of operation the company started to develop also special metrology equipment for the optics industry and it expanded its portfolio with own products such as adaptive optics and optical ground stations. The fifth year was characterized by a strong growth in the field of space mechanisms: a development contract was acquired for an engineering model of a Coarse Pointing Assembly (CPA), followed by a qualification model and several flight models that are now in series production. Consequently, the company staff was increased over the years to 14 staff members in order to be able to handle the additional demanding workload. In addition, new industrial co-operation partners were selected that added special expertise to be able to cope with the more complex development tasks and, furthermore, workshop, laboratory and clean room facilities were established for development, assembly, integration and system test activities.