General Atomics acquires electro-optical sensor supplier EO Vista

WASHINGTON — Defense contractor General Atomics announced Sept. 15 it acquired EO Vista, a supplier of space and airborne electro-optical sensors. 

The value of the acquisition was not disclosed. EO Vista, based in Acton, Massachusetts, will be integrated into the General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) group.

San Diego-based General Atomics in 2020 selected EO Vista as its payload supplier for the U.S. Space Force Electro-Optical Infrared Weather System (EWS) program. General Atomics won a contract to develop a weather imaging satellite prototype projected to launch in 2025.

EWS weather satellite

EO Vista is providing an electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) weather sensor payload that will fly on a General Atomics polar-orbiting satellite designed for weather imaging and cloud characterization. 

The EWS program is seeking options to replace the aging Defense Meteorological Support Program (DMSP) with lower cost and smaller satellites.

Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, said the acquisition of EO Vista supports the company’s goal to expand its weather and science programs.

EO Vista, founded in 2013, was privately owned. The company provides EO/IR space and airborne sensors to DoD, NASA and intelligence customers.    

For the General Atomics deal, Proskauer Rose acted as legal advisor, Greenberg Traurig as government compliance advisor and Jefferies as financial advisor to EO Vista.