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New US developer LightRidge to take on air and space sensor markets

23rd March 2023 - 13:30 GMT | by Shephard News Team in London

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Ophir's LIDAR systems equip platforms such as the USAF's B-2 stealth bomber. (Photo: USAF)

The private-equity backed firm combines the businesses of space payloads specialist GEOST and airborne sensor manufacturer Ophir.

Private equity house ATL Partners has announced the formation of LightRidge Solutions, a portfolio company focused on development, design and production of small, affordable, space and airborne sensors and payloads for the defence and national security sector.

LightRidge combines GEOST, leading provider of space payloads acquired by ATL in 2021 and Ophir, which develops and manufactures airborne laser radar sensors and acquired in late 2022.

LightRidge is led by CEO Bill Gattle, former president of L3Harris Technologies’ Space division.

'When we acquired GEOST in 2021, we started a process of building out an enterprise that provides time-critical knowledge to our customers through affordable, yet small, powerful and increasingly autonomous space and airborne sensors,' said Mike Kramer, chairman of LightRidge.

Gattle added: 'Together, LightRidge, GEOST and Ophir will offer the power of scale, operating synergies and access to capital for research and development and other investment needs.'

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