MilesTek Vacuum-Rated Cable Assemblies for Space Applications @ Spirit Electronics

MilesTek TVAC Cable Assemblies Vacuum-Rated Space

A satellite orbiting Earth every 90 seconds cycles from extreme heat to extreme cold temperatures over and over. Whether you’re building a satellite for low-Earth orbit or an assembly for deeper space missions, temperatures, radiation, and the environmental vacuum of space pose unique challenges to electronic assemblies.

MilesTek has designed and produced a range of vacuum-rated cable assemblies tested and qualified to perform in this exact harsh space environment. With the fast-paced shift to commercial and New Space programs, cost-effective assemblies ready to perform in space aren’t just for NASA anymore.

Outgassing and Vacuum Testing

MilesTek made its vacuum-rated cable assemblies with NASA and space applications in mind. The assembly materials must pass testing and meet long-standing requirements for outgassing and total mass loss before they are launched on a satellite.

As with other components, the loss of air pressure in the vacuum of space combined with extremely high and low temperatures can force small amounts of gas out of component materials. Even small amounts of gas in that environment can condense on sensors, lenses, and mirrors to impair visibility or performance.

To prevent outgassing, MilesTek tests its cable assemblies in a thermal vacuum chamber. After cycling the materials through extreme temperatures and vacuum conditions, total mass loss (TMP) measurements are made. Cable assemblies must meet NASA requirements for both outgassing and TML to be considered vacuum-rated. These assemblies perform in temperatures from -55° C to 200°C.

The Full Assembly: Cables, Jackets, and Connectors

As a vacuum-rated cable assembly, every part must be capable of supporting performance. MilesTek’s assemblies include the cable, with special jacketing, and the connector.

For mil-aero applications, MilesTek cables use a twinaxial design with an impedance of 78 ohms. The cable is protected by a UV-resistant PFA jacket to achieve the extreme temperature performance. MilesTek offers four different connector options that use bayonet and threaded mounts to keep cables connected through shock and vibration.

Delivering to Meet the Pace of Space

With new commercial and low-Earth orbit space and new space programs competing for launch schedules, we hear from our customers about the challenges of keeping up with production pace. Current supply chain demands are also pushing out lead times for other space components. But MilesTek’s production model makes sure cable assemblies are in stock and ready for same-day shipping.

Spirit Electronics is MilesTek’s only authorized U.S. distribution partner. With access to MilesTek stock and the ability to manage your component pipeline ahead of your production demands, Spirit can deliver vacuum-rated cable assemblies along with your full bill of materials. For more interconnect products available through Spirit Electronics, download the MilesTek product catalog.

Rugged Cable Assemblies for Extreme Conditions

MilesTek rugged cable assemblies for extreme conditions

Ethernet and USB applications located in harsh industrial and military environments call for rugged cable assemblies that will stand up to extreme conditions. To support these applications, MilesTek has just launched a new series of Ethernet and USB cable assemblies that feature a Glenair Mighty Mouse connector on one end of the assembly.

At just half the size and weight of a D38999 connector, the high-performance Mighty Mouse connector is specified on hundreds of mission-critical interconnect applications worldwide and has become the de facto high-performance connector solution for many former users of the D38999 connector.

Features Include:

  • Low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) or PVC jackets
  • Male and female Mighty Mouse connector options
  • Mighty Mouse connectors are IP67 rated even when unmated
  • Ethernet Cat5e and Cat6 options
  • Cable shielding provides EMI/RFI resistance

All assemblies are in stock and available with same day shipping. Spirit Electronics is MilesTek’s only authorized U.S. Distributor!  Contact us today for a quote.

New RoHS Compliant MIL-STD-1553B Bus Couplers from MilesTek

MilesTek MIL-STD-1553B Bus Couplers

Many applications today call for products that comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive that restricts the use of hazardous materials found in various types of electronic and electrical equipment.
 
MilesTek RoHS compliant MIL-STD-1553B box style couplers satisfy this requirement for use in demanding Mil/Aero applications.

Features and Options Include:

  • One through eight stub options
  • Single, double or no bus jack options
  • Transformer ratio of 1.41:1
  • Stub resistor values of 59 Ohm, 2W, 1%.
  • RoHS Compliant

MilesTek RoHS compliant MIL-STD-1553B Bus Couplers are in stock and available for immediate shipment!

New RoHS/REACH Compliant, MIL-STD-1553 Lab Rated Cables

MilesTek Mil Standard Cables
Demanding military and R&D applications require cables that can tolerate an extreme temperature range while being able to offer the highest levels of performance.
To address such applications, MilesTek has just launched a new series of Lab rated MIL-STD-1553 cable assemblies that are RoHS and REACH compliant. 
Features include:
  • -20C to +75C temperature range  
  • 2-slot and 3-slot TRB & TRS plugs and jacks, bulkhead jacks, insulted and non-insulted connectors
  • Blunt cut-end assemblies
  • Off-the-shelf lengths from .03 meters to 6 meters (model dependent)
  • RoHS and REACH compliant

MilesTek’s new Lab Rated, MIL-STD-1553 Cable Assemblies are in stock and available for same-day shipping. Get a quote today.

Military Ready Triaxial & Twinaxial Patch Panels

Military ready triaxial and twin axial patch panels from MilesTek

MilesTek has released a new series of triaxial and twinaxial patch panels and universal sub-panels to address mil/aero connectivity applications. 

This new panel series includes a variety of universal sub-panels with TRB and TRT feed-through jacks and options that include 12” leads on the back of the panels. Custom length leads are also available upon request. These universal sub-panels are designed to fit into MilesTek’s 6-bay universal master rack panel which can house a wide variety of interconnect options.

Additionally, MilesTek now stocks both 1U and 2U, TRB and TRT patch panels designed to fit into 19” equipment racks and enclosures. These new patch panels feature .06” cold rolled steel and are RoHS compliant.

Call for a quote today!