Connector series provides space-grade reliability

22nd January 2015

Barney Scott

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In January 2015, the Rosetta spacecraft successfully landed its Philae probe on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Smiths Connectors' K and CMD/CSD series connectors were chosen for critical board-to-board interconnects in ground and navigation equipment, and for the satellite’s on-board S and X-band Deep Space Transponder, necessary for the probe to communicate its findings back to Earth.

Smiths was selected to provide robust space-grade connectors for reliable performance in the extremely harsh environment of deep space flight and landings. The connector series used for the ESA's landmark mission both utilise Hypertac Hyperboloid technology, designed for extensive life, immunity to shock & vibration and unsurpassed contact reliability.

In addition to the Rosetta Mission, Smiths Connectors has an extensive pedigree in orbital space applications, as its connectors also featured on the ISS, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Curiosity Rover.

“We at Smiths Connectors extend our wholehearted congratulations to the entire ESA and CNES organisation on pioneering this significant step forward in the evolution of space exploration, and are delighted to play a role in the project,” said Andy Eaton, Managing Director, Smiths Connectors. “It is gratifying to contribute to an initiative of Rosetta’s magnitude, as it highlights the importance of proven, reliable and durable interconnect technology in space flight.”