Elop Electro-Optics Industries, a subsidiary of Israeli-based defense electronics company Elbit Systems [Nasdaq: ESLT], has agreed to join Ashburn, Va.-based AeroAstro inmanufacturing low-cost satellite systems and components. With the alliance in place, an equity investment by Elbit Systems for a minority share of AeroAstro is anticipated to be concluded as soon as regulatory authority is obtained.

AeroAstro has developed new small satellite applications in astrophysics, communications and technology development and verification. Elbit Systems manufactures optical systems for space research, earth imagery and other remote sensing applications, which are compatible – in terms of mass, volume and power consumption – with micro and nano spacecraft.