Overview of Space Cables and AssembliesEnhancing Signal Integrity for Critical Data Transmission

Effective data transmission is essential for spacecraft systems. The cables responsible for transmitting data directly impact signal quality and transmission speed. When cable systems fail, communication between the spacecraft and mission control can break down, jeopardizing the mission. To address this, cable performance must excel in reliability, durability, and signal integrity. However, electrical, mechanical, and environmental stresses can easily compromise these factors.

In aerospace missions today, cables face environmental stressors such as extreme temperatures, exposure to chemicals, abrasion, and constant flexing. These challenging conditions demand cables that are smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting.

GORE Space Cables: Meeting Aerospace Challenges

Superior Electrical and Mechanical Performance

GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL, meet these challenges head-on. Qualified under ESCC 3902/002, these cables deliver exceptional electrical performance and mechanical toughness. They maintain outstanding signal transmission up to 1 GHz, even in extreme environments. With wires designed to have identical electrical lengths, the cables ensure a conductor time delay of less than 0.1 nsec/m.

Thanks to their compact size and minimal bending radius, these cables can be installed in tight spaces with ease. Their lightweight construction also helps aerospace engineers manage challenging mass budgets effectively. Additionally, their low capacitance and signal attenuation ensure reliable performance, while the consistent characteristic impedance minimizes reflections. These cables are also listed on the ESA QPL (Qualified Parts List), ensuring their high-quality standards.

Applications of GORE Space Cables

Proven Performance in Mission-Critical Operations

GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL, excel in data transmission applications. They have demonstrated reliability in high-resolution cameras and digital signal processors used in satellites, telescopes, and the International Space Station (ISS). Their performance continues to prove essential for the success of spacecraft operations, including:

• Express MD1/MD2
• Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV)
• International Space Station (ISS)
• James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
• NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
• XMM

Onboard these spacecraft, GORE Space Cables protect signal integrity in critical systems such as high-speed subsystem interconnects, digital signal processors, and high-resolution sensors. Without their performance, essential operations like satellite image transmissions could face interruptions.

The Science Behind GORE Space Cables

ePTFE: The Key to Unmatched Performance

The remarkable performance of GORE Space Cables lies in their insulation material: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). At high frequencies, the electrical properties of insulation, especially the dielectric constant (εr), play a crucial role. With an εr of just 1.3 (close to air’s ideal value of 1.0), ePTFE ensures low capacitance, minimal attenuation, and high signal speed. Furthermore, its chemical inertness allows the cables to operate at cryogenic temperatures and withstand short-term exposure to temperatures as high as 260°C.

Features and Benefits

Delivering Reliable and Efficient Data Transmission

GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL, offer unique features that ensure data transmission remains seamless in the harshest conditions. These features include:

• Lightweight and compact design for easier installation and reduced mass budgets.
• Exceptional electrical performance that guarantees reliable signal transmission.
• High flexibility and low bend radius for ease of use in tight spaces.
• Standardized LVDS technology to minimize faults.
• Robust insulation for enhanced durability and longevity.

With these features, the cables provide numerous benefits, such as:

• Uninterrupted signal transmission due to fault tolerance and electrical performance.
• Extended service life, even under extreme environmental conditions.
• Simplified installation, thanks to their flexible design.
• Trusted reliability from ESA qualification and ISO 9001:2000 certification.

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