On 17th December 2015, the 11th and 12th satellites from the Galileo navigation system were released into orbit by a Soyuz launcher. Manufactured by the German company OHB, they are connected with interconnects provided by Axon’ Cable. Data transmission, cabling of the satellites or antennae connection, these are the functions of the cable assemblies.
Different functions
For these satellites, Axon’ delivered different types of cables: data transmission harnesses, ESA cables and semi-rigid coaxial cables. Data transmission harnesses are connected to different electronic devices in the satellite and serve to transmit the system commands. Their role is therefore vital for the mission. Axon’ is the only qualified supplier for this type of harness for the Galileo system.
Different functions, different cables: part of the cabling of the satellite is made with electrical wires qualified by ESA (European Space Agency). These wires are all subjected to a battery of tests before being cabled inside the satellite. Able to withstand extreme temperature variations (-200°C to + 200+C), they are insulated with Celloflon®, a lightweight material developed by Axon’ to save weight.
Semi-rigid coaxial cables developed by Axon’ are also used to interconnect the satellite’s antennae modules.
“The” European navigation system
The system is progressively deployed and will eventually consist of 30 satellites including 3 active spares. Extremely precise with accuracy to within a meter, Galileo will allow Europe to have its own satellite navigation system. It will be inter-operable with the American Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian Glonass System. Galileo will be able to be used in everyday life by car drivers, train drivers, aircraft pilots, lifeguards, rescue teams, farmers, etc
Flight heritage
Small, lightweight, highly reliable and resistant to high temperatures and cosmic radiation: these are just some of the qualities of the interconnect systems offered by Axon’ for space applications. Already on-board a multitude of space projects including Ariane, the International Space Station and the Curiosity Rover, Axon’ Cable provides custom designed interconnects for satellite wiring, data transmission, high data rate links and power distribution in spacecraft.
About Axon’ Cable
Equipped with several dedicated clean rooms, the Axon’ group is very well versed in the requirements and challenges of space applications: weight saving, miniaturization, and materials designed for severe environments. The headquarters of the company is situated in Montmirail in France (100 km east of Paris) and employs around 1800 staff world-wide in 15 subsidiaries across Europe, America and Asia.
The Group turnover amounts to some €118 million euro (2015), almost 70 % of which is export.
