Harwin Connectors Fulfil Vital Role During Successful CubeSat Launch into Space
May 07 2015 - 5:38AM
Business Wire
University of Warwick’s student team achieve
world first
Harwin, the leading hi-rel connector and SMT board hardware
manufacturer, is delighted to congratulate Warwick University on
the successful launch of its WUSAT-2 satellite earlier this month.
The student-run project, which has now built and launched a small
10x10x10cm CubeSat satellite into space, relies on
high-reliability, miniature connectors from Harwin to provide the
vital interconnect used in experimental equipment carried by the
satellite.
Overseen by the European Space Agency (ESA) and launched from
the Swedish Space Centre as part of the joint German Aerospace
Center (DLR) and Swedish National Space Board (SNSB) REXUS/BEXUS
programme, the mission, according to Dr William Crofts, Director of
Warwick Satellite Programme (www.warwick.ac.uk/cubesat) at the
University of Warwick, went very smoothly. “The launch was almost
on time, the nose-cone deployed exactly on time, the satellite
ejected, the comms system powered up, and we received data
signals at our ground station.”
He continues: “This is the first time that data has been
successfully transmitted and received from an ESA/Rexus launched
unit on re-entry - an amazing achievement. We have a lot of data
now to be analysed, and we are hoping to estimate the speed of the
satellite via the Doppler shift of the radio signals.”
Harwin’s Datamate, Gecko and M300 high-reliability connector
systems are designed to withstand the severe shock and vibration
and temperature conditions experienced by satellites on launch and
during deployment. They are also suitable for other demanding
applications such as commercial and defence aerospace, oil and gas
exploration, robotics, UAVs, motor sport, military vehicles and
other mission-critical projects. Harwin sponsors many diverse
university projects worldwide.
Concludes Crofts: “We are hopeful of a full orbital launch for
WUSAT-3 in the future, and there is a real chance that we may even
be able to deploy WUSAT-3 from the International Space
Station.”
About Harwin
Harwin is a manufacturer of standard interconnect components
with an enviable reputation for high quality and exceptional
customer service. Harwin has been successfully manufacturing
electronic components for more than 60 years. Harwin’s sales and
service extend worldwide via offices and manufacturing facilities
in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Singapore and a worldwide
distribution network.
Harwin IncDoug SteeleVP Global DistributionDirect:
603-952-3106dsteele@harwin.comorBWW CommunicationsNick FootTel:
+44-1491-636393nick.foot@bwwcomms.com