Smiths Connectors, a worldwide provider of high performance interconnect solutions for the most demanding applications, has announced its contribution to the landmark ESA Rosetta mission which has successfully landed its Philae probe on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
Smiths Connectors was selected to provide robust space-grade connectors proven to perform reliably in the extremely harsh environment of deep space flight and landings. The company’s high-density K and CMD/CSD connector Series were chosen for the critical board-to-board interconnects of the 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. These connector series both utilise Hypertac Hyperboloid technology recognised for extensive life, immunity to shock and vibration and unsurpassed contact reliability.
“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 of 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.”
In addition to the Rosetta Mission, Smiths Connectors has an extensive pedigree in orbital space applications, as its connectors also featured on the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Mars Science Laboratory Rover, Curiosity.
