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

W. L. Gore & Associates High Performance Aerospace Wires Set Gold Standard With Industry Award

Posted November 5, 2021

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) announced today that its GORE® High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, were recognized among the 2021 Military & Aerospace Electronics Technology Innovators Awards. An independent panel of esteemed judges from the aerospace and defense community recognized Gore as a gold honoree for the second consecutive year. The company’s PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies were recognized in 2020.

Press Release

GORE® Jolts Emerging Electric Aviation Market with New High-Performance Aerospace Wires

Posted October 15, 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.

Event

Gore at 2019 New Space Show

October 17, 2019 - October 18, 2019

Learn more about GORE® Space Cables and Assemblies engineered for the future of the space industry. Also, listen to our expert speak at the show on Thursday, October 17 at 11:00 am CEST.

Press Release

Gore Premiering New Portfolio of Qualified Solutions at 2019 NewSpace Show

Posted October 8, 2019

Gore will be showcasing a new portfolio of qualified GORE® Space Cables and Assemblies at the 2019 NewSpace Show in Monaco on October 17-18.

View all News & Events

FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

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