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Sensitive
satellite and space missions cannot tolerate perturbations,
structural interference, or surface motions caused
by reactive forces generated during connector demating.
G&H has developed a special low imparted energy
connector that can be demated without transferring
any reactive impulse to the adjacent vehicle structure.
The design uses matched spring forces, low force contacts,
and custom spring-loaded mounts to balance the energy
of connector demating.
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These
low imparted impulse connectors are used as the umbilical
connectors on the ORBCOMM" satellite constellation.
They contain internal springs that are sized to balance
the demate energy (force x deflection) with the sum
of all energy (contact friction, external springs,
misalignment drag, etc.) acting to resist the demate.
This permits soft separation of adjacent mounting
surfaces without danger of undesirable connector-caused
"kick off' or reactive motion.
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MODEL 1179
force between individual contacts, allowing precise
Misalignment and Permits control of the connectors net
energy. The contacts Blind Mate and Demate have been
qualified for space mission use by Self Alignment NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center. Twenty-two No. 22 contacts
are housed in a MIL-C-38999 size 13-35 insert for the
Model 1179 used on the ORBCOMM satellites. The low imparted
energy design is available in other connector sizes
and contact arrangements.