Custom-designed flexible cables designed into nanosatellite

Intelliconnect's customer, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), launched the satellite into a "575km sun-synchronous orbit as part of Spaceflight's SSO-A SmallSat Express Mission". It was launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base on board the Falcon 9 on 12 December 2018.

The purpose of the mission is to test a two-way VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) payload. This VDES has been developed by Honeywell Aerospace UK and aims to increase connectivity into remote maritime locations beyond phone networks as well as broader remote communication systems.

The brief provided by SSTL required Intelliconnect to manufacture a number of specific cables suitable for use in outer-space. Intelliconnect's design team worked closely with SSTL engineers to define their design and manufacturing and to provide flexible cables suitable for the environmental conditions found in space.

Roy Phillips, Managing Director of Intelliconnect comments: "Our design team used all of their technical skills and experience to propose suitable materials and manufacturing processes for this application. Our outstanding on-time delivery record ensured we could meet a time-critical delivery schedule that adhered to the testing and launch needs of the satellite."

Intelliconnect is the largest UK-based manufacturer of RF, microwave and waterproof connectors and cable harnesses suitable for applications including wearable technology, medical, telecoms, satcoms, military, aerospace, space, general microwave communications, rail traction, oil and gas and marine. Intelliconnect also manufacture the Pisces range of waterproof RF connectors, coaxial adaptors to facilitate inter-series connection and gender change etc. dust-caps and offer value-added services.

Their recently launched and fast-growing cryogenic cable assembly business CryoCoax supplies medical, research, test and measurement and the emerging low temperature computing markets.

Intelliconnect's cable division are specialist manufacturers of affordable, high-quality, high-frequency microwave cables including triaxial assemblies, semi-rigid, semi-flexible and cryogenic cables as well as standard RG/LMR type products. Cables can be waterproofed to IP68 and include special features including phase matching and ruggedised assemblies for use in harsh environments.

For more information about the company's products and services go to www.intelliconnect.co.uk.