ELECTRONICS firm C-MAC Microtechnology is set to expand its presence in the space sector in a pioneering deal with US corporation Linear Technology.The partnership will see Great Yarmouth-based C-MAC, a specialist in electronic components, modules and systems for use in harsh environments, supply the European, Canadian and Asian space markets with modules designed to withstand radiation in space.

ELECTRONICS firm C-MAC Microtechnology is set to expand its presence in the space sector in a pioneering deal with US corporation Linear Technology.

The partnership will see Great Yarmouth-based C-MAC, a specialist in electronic components, modules and systems for use in harsh environments, supply the European, Canadian and Asian space markets with modules designed to withstand radiation in space.

The “radiation-hardened” modules will be built for use in satellites and other space applications in the deal, which will see C-MAC assemble and test parts supplied by California-based Linear Technology, a major electronic components producer.

While the details are still being finalised the deal is expected to be worth millions of pounds, and is believed to be the first time aerospace companies will be able to buy the high reliability space-grade modules from a European manufacturer.

The partnership follows C-MAC's Class K accreditation in 2007, making it the only European company with the space-grade standard, and builds on the company's 20-year history in the space industry.

Founded in 1943, C-MAC employs 250, and has designed and manufactured microcircuits for space programmes including Artemis, Inmarsat III and IV and the International Space Station.

Accounts for the year ending August 29 2008 show a turnover of �18.6m, down from �20.8m the previous year, and pre-tax profits up nearly �400,000 to �1.2m.