Space Power and Multipurpose Cables for Reliable Orbital Operation
SPM Space Cables: Dependable Power Distribution for Spacecraft
Gore SPM-series space power and multipurpose cables deliver reliable electrical performance across the extreme vacuum and temperature environment of space — providing the robust power distribution backbone that spacecraft subsystems depend on throughout the mission lifetime.
SPM-series space power and multipurpose cables delivering reliable electrical performance across the extreme vacuum and temperature environment of space. The SPM series addresses the demanding requirements of spacecraft power distribution: high current capacity, low resistance, radiation tolerance, and zero-outgassing materials — all in a construction optimized for space harness integration.
Why Choose Gore SPM Space Cables?
Reliable Power Delivery Across Extreme Temperature Range
Spacecraft power cables must maintain conductor resistance and insulation integrity through thermal excursions from the deep cold of eclipse (-180°C) to the heat of direct sun exposure (+200°C). SPM cables use silver-plated conductors and ePTFE insulation that maintain their electrical properties across this full range — ensuring regulated bus voltages reach all spacecraft loads without voltage drops that trigger protective shutdowns.
Vacuum-Rated Construction Prevents Outgassing Failures
In vacuum, trapped gas within cable insulation can outgas and deposit on optical and thermal surfaces, or create corona discharge at voltages much lower than atmospheric breakdown voltage. SPM cables are constructed with low-outgassing materials that meet space agency contamination control requirements, and their design eliminates void trapping that can lead to partial discharge in space power systems.
High Current Capacity in a Lightweight Form Factor
Power cables in spacecraft must balance current-carrying capacity against mass — using undersized conductors to save mass creates resistive losses and thermal management challenges, while oversized conductors waste precious mass budget. SPM cables are engineered at specific gauges to deliver the current ratings spacecraft power system engineers need within optimized mass envelopes.
Technical Specifications
- Cable Type
- Power & multipurpose, space-grade
- Conductor
- Silver-plated copper, stranded
- Insulation
- ePTFE, radiation tolerant
- Operating Temperature
- -180°C to +200°C
- Voltage Rating
- Up to 600 V (application dependent)
- Outgassing
- ECSS-Q-ST-70-02 / ASTM E595 compliant
- Conductor Sizes
- 20–10 AWG (application dependent)
Applications
- Solar array power distribution bus cables
- Battery charge/discharge circuit wiring
- Power control and distribution unit (PCDU) output wiring
- Electric propulsion (ion/Hall thruster) power feed cables
- Reaction wheel and momentum wheel drive power cables
- Payload instrument primary power distribution
Industries Served
Frequently Asked Questions
What voltage levels are SPM cables rated for?
SPM cables are rated up to 600 V DC depending on the specific construction variant. With the trend toward higher bus voltages in modern satellites (100 V, 120 V, and beyond), Gore can advise on appropriate insulation system selection. Contact RSTECH for your specific bus voltage requirements.
How does SPM handle corona discharge in space?
The transition from atmospheric pressure to vacuum lowers the partial discharge inception voltage significantly, making corona a real concern for space power systems. SPM cables are designed to eliminate void-trapping in the insulation construction and meet space power system requirements that address this transition region risk.
Can SPM cables be routed alongside signal cables in the same harness bundle?
SPM power cables can be bundled with signal cables when appropriate EMC separation guidelines are followed. Gore provides harness routing recommendations that address EMI coupling from power cables to sensitive signal wires — RSTECH's technical team can assist with harness EMC design review.
Is SPM suitable for high-power electric propulsion systems?
SPM cables are used in electric propulsion power feed applications, where high voltage (hundreds to thousands of volts in some systems) and moderate current combine with the vacuum environment. Specific electric propulsion requirements should be reviewed with Gore's application engineers — contact RSTECH to arrange this technical discussion.
Ready to source SPM Space Cables in Israel?
Contact RSTECH Electronics — your authorized Gore representative in Israel.