connectors need to be high performance, undergoing rigorous testing for issues such as outgassing and residual magnetism, and offer superior performance and reliability in harsh service conditions. They must also be lightweight, compact and able to withstand harsh environments, such as the extreme temperatures and vibrations experienced during lift-off.
Outgassing is a major concern for space grade connectors. Materials like elastomers and plastics can slowly release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the form of gas or vapour over time. These VOCs result in contamination that can negatively impact the performance of mission-critical equipment. For example, it can strip plastic off some of the particles that help hold it together, causing components to become brittle and directly reducing their expected lifespan; and it can cause condensation to build up on surfaces inside the space vehicle, such as sensors and camera lenses. Because replacing embrittled connectors and cleaning these laminated sensors would require another multi-million-dollar rocket, avoiding outgassing
quipment used in space has to contend with extreme temperatures, pressure and, being inaccessible, needs to be highly reliable. Electrical connector’s will therefore often need to be space qualified. Such
The Positronic and Hermetic brands of connectors meet space requirements
is crucial. The way around this is to extract the VOCs prior to launch. This is typically accomplished by baking the connectors at an elevated temperature in a vacuum-sealed oven. After this process is complete, the connectors are tested to verify that they meet the strict requirements of space, aerospace and military applications. Residual magnetism can interfere with the performance of nearby equipment and result in false readings, which could be catastrophic depending on the equipment and sensors involved. Metallic connectors constructed specifically with low residual magnetism include the Positronic Space D-Subs. These conform to contact specifications outlined by NASA, as well as MIL-DTL-24308 class M specifications for D-Subs, and NASA-RP-1124 outgassing standard tests. Testing is carried out using a fluxmeter following NASA space grade requirements for electric components.
Connectors used in space applications need to meet a range of design requirements, but product lines such as the Positronic and Hermetic brands are excellent options – not just for spacecraft but aerospace, military, and medical applications too. Such space qualified sensors are available from PEI-Genesis. In addition to
industry standard products, PEI-Genesis can outgas electroless nickel-plated versions of MIL-DTL-38999s to convert them into space grade Class G D38999 connectors. Its manufacturing facilities have state-of-the-art equipment, allowing it to successfully outgas a connector in a matter of hours, rather than weeks. The requirements for space grade connectors are critical, but so is having a trusted partner so performance is always guaranteed.
58
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
