GBM

Glast Burst Monitor

Jena-Optronik developed the main parts of the Glast Burst Monitor (GBM) for NASA's Fermi gamma-ray space telescope (former GLAST mission). The aim of the scientific mission is to observe high energy gamma rays and the related astrophysical phenomena.

During the instrument development the company could base on the experience gained during the INTEGRAL mission (International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) of the European Space Agency ESA. The mission was launched in 2002 and observes simultaneously objects in gamma rays, X-rays and visible light. 

The Glast Burst Monitor (GBM) is sensitive to X-rays and gamma rays with energies between 8 keV and 25 MeV. GBM includes 12 Sodium Iodide (NaI) scintillation detectors and two Bismuth Germanate (BGO) scintillation detectors. During the mission lifetime of five years GBM will search gamma ray bursts, one of the most energetic events in the universe and cause the birth of black holes.

‘Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’ launched: Equipped with star sensors from Jena-Optronik

With its launch on August 30, 2026, a groundbreaking scientific mission to explore the universe will begin, with high-precision sensors from Jena playing a crucial role in navigation.

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Joint commercial and government robotic mission for space maintenance: Jena-Optronik sensors onboard Northrop Grumman’s MRV

Following the success of the Mission Extension Vehicles (MEV-1 and MEV-2), Jena-Optronik’s sensor technology will also play a pivotal role in the “Mission Robotic Vehicle” (MRV). This mission represents the next innovative leap in in-orbit servicing and satellite lifetime extension.

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NASA honours our contribution to Artemis I

On 3 September 2025, we had the privilege of receiving a special accolade: NASA recognised our company for our contribution to Artemis I. Aboard the first Orion spacecraft, which successfully orbited the Moon in November 2022, were two of our ASTRO APS star trackers.

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Jena-Optronik goes ESA 4S Symposium

For the first time, Jena-Optronik will exhibit at this year’s ESA 4S Symposium in Palma de Mallorca, Spain from 27th to 31st May 2024.

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Space photography

Apollo astronauts as photographers: stunning pictures of our blue marble, the moon and astronauts' lifes 

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Space: It’s all around us

Space inspires us all and creates a wealth of knowledge

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Events

  • ESA Conference on Guidance, Navigation & Control Systems (GNC)
    September 28 - October 02, 2026
  • ESA Industry Space Days
    September 16-17, 2026
  • SmallSat
    August 23-26, 2026