Interconnect Technology for Manned Space Flight

Glenair QwikConnect Magazine • January 2021 • Volume 25 • Number 1

Glenair's history of interconnect innovation for manned space applications began with our design and fabrication role in the realization of the golden umbilical life-support cable used by Commander Ed White in the first American Gemini Program space walk in 1965. This was a complex cable assembly with an exacting set of performance requirements. Even though this application is now over 50 years old, it still reflects Glenair's unique skill set as both a manufacturer of high-performance connectors and wire protection products as well as a provider of turnkey assemblies incorporating Glenair signature interconnect technology. Complex interconnect cable assemblies made by Glenair have traveled to and from orbit dozens of times on the Space Shuttle, and we were also responsible for producing the long-length umbilical cables used on the Titan II launch vehicle for all twelve Gemini missions. For this application, Glenair developed some truly unique fabrication fixtures and processes to complete this unique cable build.

QwikConnect > January 2021

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