Space-Rated Connectors, Cables, and Non-Pyrotechnic Release Mechanisms: Qualified Spacecraft and Satellite Technology with NASA, ESA, and JAXA Flight Heritage. US- and EU-Made Space Mechanisms.
Space connectors, cables and electro-mechanical devices are a unique class of interconnect technologies that utilize specialized materials, processing and testing to ensure reliable performance during launch, satellite deployment and throughout operation. Space launch vehicles and payloads are subjected to shock, vibration, and acoustic stress factors which can damage interconnect systems — particularly if material strength, mating retention forces, contact retention technologies or other design elements of connector/cable components are inadequate for peak and/or sustained levels of mechanical stress.
Connector series include MIL-DTL-38999 which can be conditioned for space IAW the following specifications: Space-Grade Guidelines for SuperNine® Connectors. Glenair provides worldwide support for users of hold-down release mechanism (HDRM) with products and solutions built both in the US and in Europe IAW local standards.
NASA Standards
Glenair supplies hermetic feed-thrus and hermetically-sealed receptacle connectors that meet the following NASA standards for interconnects used in manned spacecraft:
- NATC (NASA Threaded Coupling)
- SSQ21635 (NASA standard for circular, mostly hermetically sealed connectors used in manned spacecraft)
- NASA-STD-8739 (NASA assembly standard for cable systems on the ISS, ESCC manufacturing standards are compliant)
Standard Configurations Include:
- Hermetic power inserts based on MIL-DTL-5015 in shell sizes 25L to 37
- Signal hermetic designs IAW MIL-DTL-38999 Series III shell sizes 9 to 25
- Rated operating temperatures -115°C to 200°C (-175°F to 392°F)
Space-Grade Connector and Interconnect Cable Solutions
Glenair Space-Grade Interconnect Solutions for Launch Vehicle and Satellite Applications with Reference Flight Heritage Space-Grade Design-Ins
Glenair Salem, Germany: Glenair has been providing space connectors, HDRM's and interconnect cable solutions meeting NASA, ESA, and JAXA outgassing requirements and MSFC-STD-3012 connector requirements since the earliest manned space flights. At our space systems business unit in Salem, Germany we understand the highly-specialized mechanical, electrical and optical performance requirements for data, video and communications in exo-atmospheric vehicles and apply the utmost care in the design and manufacture of all our space-rated technology — from ultra-lightweight hold down release mechanisms (HDRM) for satellite and satellite equipment deployment to exactingly engineered wire harness assemblies.
Slideshow Presentation
Related Space Connector Catalogs and Technical Documentation
- Datasheet: SGEMP-Resistant Wire
- High-Performance Micro-D Connectors and Cables
- Nano Miniature Circular and Rectangular Connectors / Series 89
- SuperNine® Advanced Performance MIL-DTL-38999 Series III Type Connectors
- Whitepaper: Designing Interconnects for Space
Interconnect Technology for Manned Space Flight
QwikConnect, The Glenair Technical Marketing Magazine
January 2021Volume 25Number 1
Space-Grade Backshells and Shielding Accessories for Micro-D 83513 and D-Subminiature M24308 (ESCC 3401/072) Series Connectors
Providing Space-Grade Interconnect Solutions Since the Earliest Manned Space Flights: from lightweight Micro-D and M24308 D-Sub Backshells (ESCC 3401/072) to high-performance braided shielding.
Hold Down Release Mechanisms and Other Space Mechanisms
Non-Pyrotechnic Release MechanismsBlind Mate (ASF) ConnectorsLanyard-Release Connectors
Glenair Video Library
Complete Dimensional Details and How-To-Order Information for All Glenair Space-Grade Interconnect Technologies
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Space-Grade MIL-DTL-38999 Type Circular Blind-Mate ConnectorsSpace-Grade Circular Blind-Mate Connectors IAW MIL-DTL-38999 for use in Interconnection and Separation of Instrumentation Panels, Satellites, Scientific Research Payloads, and other Release Applications Series 253 |
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Hold-Down and Release Mechanisms for Space Applications: HDRM's, Pin Pushers, Pin Puller and other Space MechanismsNon-explosive light, medium, and heavy-duty HDRMs, pin pullers and pin pushers for spacecraft satellite hold down and release. Special-purpose ultra-lightweight small form-factor split-spool single event release mechanisms with refurbishable fuse wire for CubeSat and NanoSat deployment as well as antenna, solar array, reflector, boom, and mast release. Series 06Series GSS500 |
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Lanyard-Release Quick-Disconnect ConnectorsHigh Shock and Vibration Quick-Release Connectors
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SAE/AS81703 Series 3 Type ConnectorsHigh Shock and Vibration Quick-Release Connectors |
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Series 806 Mil-Aero Micro Miniature Connectors and Cable AssembliesAdvanced Electrical, Mechanical and Environmental Performance plus Reduced Size and Weight Compared to D38999 Meets every MIL-DTL-38999 Performance Specification |
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Crimp-Contact Micro Rectangular Connectors / Micro-Crimp Series 79, 791, 792Time and labor-saving crimp-contact micro rectangular connectors: Smallest form-factor Series 79, advanced-performance scoop-proof Series 791, and Series 792 for high-speed wire-to-board applications. Slideshow Presentation |
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HiPer-D® Connectors and AccessoriesHigh-Performance M24308 Intermateable D-Sub Connectors, Space-Grade Series 28 |
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83513 Micro-D Connectors and CablesEvery element of the MIL-DTL-83513 Micro-D is exactly controlled — from terminal spacing to approved wire termination methods. Glenair is the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of these wire-to-wire, FPC-to-board, and wire-to-board interconnects. Flight-proven and ESA, NASA, and JAXA qualified. Special GMR75 series high-density Micro-D's save board real-estate and weight in space applications. |
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Modular Micro-DInnovative Modular Micro-D Connectors and Cables for RF, Signal, and High-Speed Data Links Series GMMD - Glenair Modular High-Speed Micro-D The Series GMMD is an innovative modular Micro-D connector for RF coax and high-speed differential datalink applications. The unique micro miniature design of the GMMD also accommodates standard analog signal and power contacts, making it the most versatile Micro-D rectangular in the industry. GMMD leverages Glenair Signature Micro-D and Nano TwistPin contact inserts, as well as ultra small form-factor differential twinax modules delivering 18 Gb/second per pair and RF to 20 GHz. GMMD is supplied as factory-terminated pigtails, point-to-point jumpers, and SMT receptacles for easy PCB mounting. |
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El Ochito® High-Speed Octaxial Contacts, Pre-Wired Pigtails, and Jumper AssembliesEthernet, SuperSpeed USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, SATA Contacts, and Jumper Assemblies. For Series 23 SuperNine®, Series 80 Mighty Mouse, Series 28 HiPer-D®, Series 79, ARINC 600, and EPXB Connectors. |
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SpacewireReduced Cost of Ownership, Easy Integration, and High-Performance for Flight and Lab Grade Cable Assemblies.
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Nano Miniature Circular and Rectangular Connectors: MIL-DTL-32139 QPL and Glenair MCOTS SolutionsThe M32139 Nano is the smallest and lightest mil-spec connector in the business. 1 Amp contacts are set on .025" centers and terminated to 30 AWG wire or PCB tails. Glenair supplies both standard QPL designs as well as a broader range of signature offerings. Series 89 Slideshow Presentation |
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Space-Grade Backshells and Shielding AccessoriesFor Micro-D 83513 and D-Subminiature M24308 (ESCC 3401/072) Series Connectors |
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Flex Circuit Assemblies: Turnkey, Connectorized PCB SolutionsTurnkey Connectorized Flex, Rigid Flex, and Rigid PCB Assemblies Incorporating Glenair's Broad Range of Innovative Small Form-Factor Circular and Rectangular PC-Tail Connector Solutions for Optimized Ease-of-Assembly and SWaP IPC-6012/6013 CLASS III, TYPES 1–4
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Ultra-Lightweight Tubular Expandable Braided Shielding for Satellite ApplicationsLightweight ArmorLite™ and AmberStrand® weight-reducing EMI/RFI shielding |