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.
Catalog: GORE® Space Cables for Traditional Space Applications
Product Selection Guides, 4.33 MB
Improving Cable Performance in Harsh Environments
White Papers, 1.16 MB
View all resources for GORE Space Cables for SpaceWire applications
Recent News
Press Release
Gore Jolts Emerging Electric Aviation Market with New High-Performance Aerospace Wires
Posted October 13, 2020
W. L. Gore & Associates announced today a new solution that meets higher voltages as the trend continues towards aircraft electrification to reduce the impact of air transport on our environment. GORE® High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, deliver the best combination of superior mechanical strength and outstanding electrical reliability without increasing wire bundle size or weight.
Press Release
GORE® PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies Honored, Set Gold Standard with Industry Innovators Award
Posted September 16, 2020
W. L. Gore & Associates announced that its GORE® PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies were recognized among the 2020 Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovators Awards. An esteemed and experienced panel of judges from the aerospace and defense community recognized Gore as a Gold honoree. These assemblies are being recognized for their durability and reliability for precision testing of electronic warfare (EW) / radar suites; electronic surveillance/counter measures; radar warning systems; missile approach warning systems; and navigation/communication systems.
Event
W. L. Gore & Associates Goes Virtual at IMS2020
August 4, 2020 - August 6, 2020
Due to the ongoing challenge of COVID-19, IMS2020 has been moved to virtual with live streaming. A key topic at the symposium is 5G connectivity, and Gore will present a portfolio of reliable microwave/RF test assemblies for 5G testing. We’ll describe how our cable assemblies provide durable, stable, and consistent performance to ensuring accurate and reliable testing results.
Press Release
Gore Products to Enable Mars 2020 Mission Communications
Posted July 30, 2020
W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) today announced the company’s involvement in the Mars 2020 Mission scheduled for launch on July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This U.S. mission addresses high-priority scientific goals for exploration to help answer the questions of potential life on Mars.
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