The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has sent a message of support to Chelmsford company e2v on their crucial role in the Rosetta space mission

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

“I would like to offer huge congratulations to all at e2v who have been a part of history on the Rosetta mission. The work you’ve done is a credit to Chelmsford, the UK and the world – and is now having an impact from a comet 300 million miles away.”

The Deputy Prime Minister visited the company in May 2012 to award £6m of funding from the Regional Growth Fund for a microwave technology project. The Government also awarded e2v £3.75 million in 2013 to create 130 new jobs and expand its world-leading silicon imaging technology, as used on Rosetta. A third award from the RGF was also made of £2.9m towards a medical technology project.

Background on the cameras:
One of the many e2v camera systems on the lander was taking pictures of the comet’s surface while another filmed the descent and is taking images of the sites sampled by Philae’s instruments. The company also built three other camera systems on the main spacecraft, one that produced all the pictures shown so far, and others used for navigation and helping map the landing spot.
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Media Contact: For enquiries about this press release contact: Jennifer Spencer-Charles, Jennifer.spencer-charles@e2v.com

About e2v: e2v is a leading global provider of specialist technology for high performance systems and equipment; delivering solutions, sub-systems and components for applications within medical & science, aerospace & defence, and commercial & industrial markets.e2v employs approximately 1650 people, has design and operational facilities across Europe, North America and Asia, and has a global network of sales and technical support offices. e2v has annual sales of GBP220m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For e2v media enquiries contact:

Press office: +44(0)1245 453625

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