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Space Orbits

Vacuum and radiation are two primary elements that pose specific risks to RF cable performance in spaceflight applications. Therefore, it is critical to specify cables that will not outgas, resist multipaction as appropriate, withstand the radiation environment, and use materials that are not susceptible to whiskering.  

There are three main types of orbit in space: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). LEO is orbit with an altitude at or below 2,000km; MEO is also known as Intermediate Circular Orbit (ICO) and is located above 2,000km but below 35,786km; GEO is located at 35,786km.

GEO/ MEO Satellites

GEO and MEO satellites are typically used for:

  • Navigation & Communication  
  • Gamma Ray Detection  
  • Weather Monitoring  
  • Radio/TV Networks 
  • Broadband  
  • Space Environmental Sciences 

LEO Satellites

LEO satellites are typically used for:

  • Earth Observation  
  • Surveillance  
  • Telecom  
  • Space Telescopes  
  • Earth Sensing 
  • Space Cubes 

Space Flight Catalog

Reel Times: Multipaction

Reel Times: Outgassing

Reel Times: Radiation

Reel Times: Whiskering

Phase-Stable Cables and the Challenges of Space

RF in Space: 5 Steps to Find the Best Interconnect Supplier Webinar Summary

Key Considerations for Coaxial Cables in Space

Phase Track Cable – TF4 Dielectric: The “Knee Replacement”

Beyond Teflon®: RF Assemblies for Extreme Environments

Current Innovations In Phase Stable Coaxial Cable Design

Want to know more about cable assemblies for satellites?

If you'd like more information on how coaxial cables are used in satellites, or to discuss the specifics of an application with an expert, let us know!

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Space Coax Cables Assemblies Brochure

Space Cable Assemblies from Times Microwave Systems

SpaceFlight

The SpaceFlight product line embodies the critical requirements necessary for reliable performance in space. Our proprietary material conditioning and vacuum testing of assemblies ensure outgassing is minimized to meet NASA standards ASTM E‐595.

PhaseTrack Space

PhaseTrack® cable assemblies are designed for applications demanding minimal phase change over temperature. All PhaseTrack cables use a proprietary TF4™ dielectric that does not have the abrupt shift in the phase that occurs with solid- or tape-wrapped PTFE-based products under normal room ambient temperature conditions.

MaxGain® Space Assemblies

MaxGain Assemblies are high-performance, ultra-low loss microwave coaxial cables. Built with our unique spiral outer conductor technology, this light-weight cable is a reliable, high frequency interconnect solution.

InstaBend® PhaseStable Space Assemblies

InstaBend PhaseStable Assemblies are low-loss, highly flexible, foam-core micro coaxial cables, eliminating the PTFE change phase occurring around 19 ºC. Originally designed for space satellite programs, this high-performance cable has the same triple-shield construction as our popular SF®, SFT®, SilverLine®, and MilTtech® cables.

InstaBend® Space Assemblies

InstaBend Space Assemblies are flexible, coaxial microwave assemblies designed for interconnects between RF circuit cards, modules and enclosure panels. The cable can be bent very closely behind the connector, simplifying cable routing.