Irvine Sensors Gets ‘Star Wars’ Technology Work

Irvine Sensors Corp., a Costa Mesa developer of infrared and electronic devices, said Monday that it has received the go-ahead to begin work on a “Star Wars” related research contract that company officials expect to total more than $2 million over the next year.

John Stuart, chief financial officer, said the contract, reached late last week with Redondo Beach-based TRW Military Space Systems calls for the company to demonstrate infrared sensor technology that could ultimately be used in the so-called space-based Strategic Defense Initiative.

Stuart declined to say how the technology might be used. However, infrared sensors track objects that emit heat and military applications for the devices include spy satellites that can detect objects on the earth’s surface, such as trucks and tanks.

Although the company will begin work on the project this week, final agreements between Irvine Sensors and TRW need to be drawn up before a final price tag for the research project can be determined, Stuart said.