Kistler expands portfolio with low outgassing cables for space testing
Kistler now offers low c for their titanium housing piezoelectric accelerometers used for space testing. They are suitable for on-ground tests that take place under a vacuum and even allow engineers to leave the test equipment on board of the space craft or satellite during their mission.
The extreme conditions of outer space pose different challenges to equipment. Standard components can become a problem when used in space crafts and satellites. For example, standard cable materials may emit gases. The amount of freed gas increases in the artificial vacuum of environmental space tests on ground or in space itself. These gasses can potentially condensate on sensitive equipment such as camera lenses and might corrupt test results or even endanger the entire mission.
To meet space test demands, Kistler has now expanded its portfolio to incorporate a cable series with fluoropolymer jackets which meet low outgassing requirements. Additionally, a second cable series with silicone jackets are available for applications which require more cable flexibility as well as low outgassing requirements. Both cable types have been tested by an independent laboratory and delivered very positive results: the TML (total mass loss) proved to be less than one percent, while the CVCM (collected volatile condensable mass material) ranges below 0.1 percent. The cables therefore comply with NASA and ESA requirements and are suited for high vacuum space environments.
Triaxial accelerometers from Kistler are used to measure forces in different test scenarios on space crafts and satellites. The heart of the sensor is an element that omits an electric impulse when force is applied, the so-called piezoelectric effect. The electric load is proportional to the external impact. Due to the element’s stiffness, piezoelectric sensors prove to be ideal for demanding measurements with dynamic forces such as testing of space payloads or shock and vibration tests. Accelerometers that are used in an artificial vacuum on ground or that will remain on board during the mission come with a non-outgassing hermetically sealed titanium housing. The new cables complement the titanium housing sensors and are delivered in customer specified lengths.
Images: Kistler Group
