Overview

Reduce Costs for High-Quality Flight and Ground Data Transfer

Data transmission is essential to the success of every space mission. If data can’t be transmitted, the spacecraft could lose communication with mission control, leading to inefficiencies or even a failed mission.

GORE Space Cables for SpaceWire applications ensure excellent, constant data transmission aboard various types of spacecrafts. Our cables provide bidirectional, high-speed data transmission up to 400 Mbit/s with minimal crosstalk, signal attenuation and low skew. Additionally, the cables meet the stringent electrical and mechanical requirements of ESCC 3902/003.

Using a serial, point-to-point dataline with Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS), our space cables for SpaceWire applications reduce costs because they can be integrated into many different satellite programs without the need for custom designs. Among the cables’ applications are high-resolution cameras and radar sensor equipment, and they are used aboard the James Webb Space Telescope and the Sun Dynamics Observatory.

Cables are available in either bulk or custom-assembled forms, terminated on micro-miniature D-type connectors.

The Science Behind the Cables

The key to the performance of GORE Space Cables for SpaceWire applications is the proprietary material used in the cable insulation, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Using ePTFE, we support LVDS, which allows data to pass through the cable without significant signal loss. By combining this LVDS technology with standard hardware protocols, the cables provide a simple alternative to the need for customized program designs.

Applications

GORE Space Cables for SpaceWire applications ensure excellent signal integrity in a variety of applications. The cables are typically used for:

  • high-resolution cameras
  • radar sensor equipment
  • sensor, mass-memory unit and telemetry subsystem interconnections

A number of critical space missions currently use our space cables for SpaceWire applications. They include:

  • Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV)
  • James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
  • KAI
  • Sun Dynamics Observatory (SDO)

For more than 25 years, we’ve provided highly reliable cable solutions for the space industry. The 100% success rate of our cables demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with customers when developing reliable and durable cables for these demanding applications.

Features & Benefits

GORE Space Cables for SpaceWire applications provide bidirectional, high-speed data transmission up to 400 Mbit/s. Other features of the cables include:

  • design specific for use in space and ground applications
  • outstanding mechanical performance in extreme conditions
  • 100 Ω impedance shielded signal pairs — individually or overall shielded
  • very low skew, signal attenuation and crosstalk
  • good EMC performance

As a result, our datalines offer many benefits, including:

  • easier installation and reduced costs from common compatibility based on ESCC standard
  • better signal transmission, impedance, skew, attenuation, crosstalk and EMC performance
  • improved reliability from rugged materials used in construction
  • valued reliability delivered from an ESA-qualified and a DIN EN ISO 9001:2000-certified manufacturing facility

Additionally, our customers receive sales and technical support from our worldwide engineering team. If you have any questions as you consider GORE Space Cables for your SpaceWire application, please contact us.

Technical Specifications

All GORE Space Cables for SpaceWire applications meet these technical specifications.

Property Value
Maximum Operating Voltage 200 V RMS
Conductor Silver-plated, high-strength copper alloy
Dielectric Expanded PTFE
Outer Jacket PFA
Temperature Range -200°C to +180°C

 

Ordering Information

GORE Space Cables for SpaceWire applications are available in two variants: 01 and 02. When ordering, please specify ESCC3902003XXB with the ‘XX’ being the appropriate variant number. For more information, please contact us.

Variant 01 02
Z0 (Ω) 100 100
AWG 28 26
No. of Strands x Ø (mm) 7 x 0.126 7 x 0.160
Inner Conductor
Max. Ø (mm) 0.39 0.49
Nominal Section (mm2) 0.089 0.141
Max. DC Resistance (Ω/km) 256 159

Resources

Find more information about GORE Space Cables for SpaceWire applications in the product data sheet and a white paper discussing the properties of cables that ensure peak electrical performance.

Recent News

Press Release

W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES TO PRESENT NEW MOSA PAPER AT GVSETS CONFERENCE

Posted August 11, 2023

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) will present a new Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) technical paper at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium & Modernization Update (GVSETS) on Tuesday, August 15, in Novi, Mich.

Event

Meet Gore at the Paris Air Show

June 19, 2023 - June 25, 2023

Visit our Booth 2C-C358 to see GORE® Cables and Materials that have been proven and trusted over time in fighter jets, rotorcraft and passenger airliners. Reserve your time slot now for a 1-on-1 discussion to talk with us about your latest airframe and aviation system developments.

Event

Visit Gore at the Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (AAAA)

April 26, 2023 - April 29, 2023

Stop by Booth 1023 and ask to see our demonstrations to watch how GORE® Cables and Materials perform reliably before and after installation and over time. We’re also eager to hear about your latest airframe and aviation system developments and talk with you about our solutions to ensure mission performance and aircrew protection for FARA, FLRAA and enduring fleet.

Press Release

W. L. Gore & Associates Expands High-Speed Data Transmission Capabilities

Posted April 18, 2023

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) announced today its new Cat8 ethernet cable for use in aerospace and defense platforms. The new Cat8 ethernet cable allows for four times the high-speed data transmission previously possible.

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FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.