Space Interconnect Systems for Launch Vehicles, Satellites, and Payloads

Space-Qualified Connectors, Cable Assemblies, HDRMs, and Integrated Interconnect Solutions

From launch vehicles and upper stages to satellites, spacecraft, and mission payloads, Glenair delivers complete interconnect solutions engineered for the extreme demands of spaceflight. Our integrated portfolio of connectors, cable assemblies, hold down release mechanisms (HDRMs), shielding systems, and space-grade wire and cable supports every phase of the mission—from launch and deployment through years of on-orbit operation.

Glenair technologies connect critical power, signal, RF, and data systems throughout launch vehicles and spacecraft, including avionics, flight control systems, propulsion systems, payload electronics, communications systems, solar arrays, sensors, antennas, deployable structures, and spacecraft bus architectures. Product families include Series 806 Mil-Aero connectors, Series 28 HiPer-D, Micro-D and Nano-D interconnects, lightweight ArmorLite® shielded cable systems, signature space wire and cable, non-pyrotechnic hold down release mechanisms, and fully integrated harness assemblies.

Designed as a complete interconnect ecosystem, Glenair space technologies help simplify vehicle integration, reduce size and weight, improve reliability, and accelerate program development. Every component is engineered to withstand the severe vibration, shock, acoustic loading, thermal cycling, vacuum exposure, and radiation environments encountered during launch and space operation.

With proven flight heritage across government, commercial, and defense space programs, Glenair supports customers worldwide with US- and EU-based engineering and manufacturing resources. Whether the requirement is a miniature payload connector, a complete spacecraft harness architecture, a launch vehicle avionics interconnect system, or a precision deployment mechanism, Glenair delivers the connectors, cables, mechanisms, and engineering expertise required to connect and deploy mission-critical space systems.

Space-Grade Connector and Interconnect Cable Solutions

Glenair Space-Grade Interconnect Solutions for Launch Vehicle and Satellite Applications with Reference Flight Heritage Space-Grade Design-Ins

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Glenair Salem, Germany: Glenair has been providing space connectors, HDRM's and interconnect cable solutions meeting NASA, ESA, and JAXA outgassing requirements and MSFC-STD-3012 connector requirements since the earliest manned space flights. At our space systems business unit in Salem, Germany we understand the highly-specialized mechanical, electrical and optical performance requirements for data, video and communications in exo-atmospheric vehicles and apply the utmost care in the design and manufacture of all our space-rated technology — from ultra-lightweight hold down release mechanisms (HDRM) for satellite and satellite equipment deployment to exactingly engineered wire harness assemblies.

Satellite Interconnect Architectures

Connecting the Satellite Bus to the Mission Payload

April 2026Volume 30Number 2

Space-Grade Backshells and Shielding Accessories for Micro-D 83513 and D-Subminiature M24308 (ESCC 3401/072) Series Connectors

Providing Space-Grade Interconnect Solutions Since the Earliest Manned Space Flights: from lightweight Micro-D and M24308 D-Sub Backshells (ESCC 3401/072) to high-performance braided shielding.

Space Mechanisms

A Complete Ecosystem of Non-Pyrotechnic Split-Spool Separation Nut Mechanisms plus Blind-Mate Interconnects for Deployment of Satellite Systems and Structures

Hold Down and Release Mechanisms (HDRMs)
Blind-Mate and Dead-Face Disconnects
Lanyard-Release Connectors

Complete Dimensional Details and How-To-Order Information for All Glenair Space-Grade Interconnect Technologies

	Hold Down and Release Mechanisms (HDRMs) High-Reliability, Non-Explosive (split-spool) Separation Nuts and Electromechanical Release Mechanisms for Dependable Preload Stowage and Release of Deployable Satellites and Space Systems Series 06 (North America)Series GSS (Europe) North American and EU-manufactured non-explosive (split-spool type) light, medium, and heavy-duty preload HDRMs and pin pullers for spacecraft, small satellites, antenna, solar array, reflector, boom, and mast release. TRL 9 technologies with flight heritage. Mechanical release ground test units available for most designs. Custom designs including pin pushers.
	Blind-Mate In-Flight and Dead-Face Disconnects Blind-Mate, Fixed, and Float-Mount Interconnects for Launch, Satellite, and Payload Deployment Applications Series 253 SuperNine Blind-Mate Assisted Separation Force Connectors with MIL-STD-1560 Power and Signal Insert Arrangements SuperNine Dead-Face Connectors with MIL-STD-1560 Power and Signal Insert Arrangements SuperNine Blind-Mate Assisted Separation Force Connectors with High-Speed Data and RF Insert Arrangements
	Lanyard-Release Fail-Safe Connectors Designed for space vehicle and missile launch, Glenair provides two series of jam-free, fail-safe operation lanyard-release connectors with "Better-than-QPL" enhancements to industry-standard designs. AS81703 Series 3 and SuperNine MIL-DTL-38999 Series III types meet customer requirements for highest-reliability stage separation and payload deployment.
	SAE/AS81703 Series 3 Type Connectors High Shock and Vibration Quick-Release Connectors
	Series 806 Mil-Aero Micro Miniature Connectors and Cable Assemblies Advanced Electrical, Mechanical and Environmental Performance plus Reduced Size and Weight Compared to D38999 Meets every MIL-DTL-38999 Performance Specification
	Crimp-Contact Micro Rectangular Connectors / Micro-Crimp Series 79, 791, 792 Time and labor-saving crimp-contact micro rectangular connectors: Smallest form-factor Series 79, advanced-performance scoop-proof Series 791, and Series 792 for high-speed wire-to-board applications. Series 795 High-Density RF and Microwave Frequency Connectors
	MIL-DTL-38999 Series III QPL Space-Grade Environmental and Space-Grade Hermetic Circular Connectors D38999 Class G Environmental and Class H Hermetic Connectors with DLA certification are now manufactured and supplied by Glenair. Standard configurations support panel-mount applications as well as harnessing.
	SuperNine RF MIL-DTL-38999 Series III Multi-Port RF Connectors for use with Size #8 BMB, Size #12 SMPM, and Size #16 SMPS Coaxial Contacts Series 23 SuperNine RF multi-port connectors are advanced-performance MIL-DTL-38999 Series III type designs with superior shielding, sealing, and high-vibration performance. Unibody ground plane and insert arrangements per MIL-STD-1560.
	HiPer-D® Connectors and Accessories High-Performance M24308 Intermateable D-Sub Connectors, Space-Grade Series 28
	83513 Micro-D Connectors and Cables Every element of the MIL-DTL-83513 Micro-D is exactly controlled — from terminal spacing to approved wire termination methods. Glenair is the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of these wire-to-wire, FPC-to-board, and wire-to-board interconnects. Flight-proven and ESA, NASA, and JAXA qualified. Special GMR75 series high-density Micro-D's save board real-estate and weight in space applications.
	Modular Micro-D Innovative Modular Micro-D Connectors and Cables for RF, Signal, and High-Speed Data Links Series GMMD - Glenair Modular High-Speed Micro-D The Series GMMD is an innovative modular Micro-D connector for RF coax and high-speed differential datalink applications. The unique micro miniature design of the GMMD also accommodates standard analog signal and power contacts, making it the most versatile Micro-D rectangular in the industry. GMMD leverages Glenair Signature Micro-D and Nano TwistPin contact inserts, as well as ultra small form-factor differential twinax modules delivering 18 Gb/second per pair and RF to 20 GHz. GMMD is supplied as factory-terminated pigtails, point-to-point jumpers, and SMT receptacles for easy PCB mounting.
	El Ochito® High-Speed Octaxial Contacts, Pre-Wired Pigtails, and Jumper Assemblies Ethernet, SuperSpeed USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, SATA Contacts, and Jumper Assemblies. For Series 23 SuperNine®, Series 80 Mighty Mouse, Series 28 HiPer-D®, Series 79, ARINC 600, and EPXB Connectors.
	Spacewire Reduced Cost of Ownership, Easy Integration, and High-Performance for Flight and Lab Grade Cable Assemblies. Technical specifications How-to-order
	Nano Miniature Circular and Rectangular Connectors: MIL-DTL-32139 QPL and Glenair MCOTS Solutions The M32139 Nano is the smallest and lightest mil-spec connector in the business. 1 Amp contacts are set on .025" centers and terminated to 30 AWG wire or PCB tails. Glenair supplies both standard QPL designs as well as a broader range of signature offerings. Series 89
	Space-Grade Backshells and Shielding Accessories For Micro-D 83513 and D-Subminiature M24308 (ESCC 3401/072) Series Connectors
	Flex Circuit Assemblies: Turnkey, Connectorized PCB Solutions Turnkey Connectorized Flex, Rigid Flex, and Rigid PCB Assemblies Incorporating Glenair's Broad Range of Innovative Small Form-Factor Circular and Rectangular PC-Tail Connector Solutions for Optimized Ease-of-Assembly and SWaP IPC-6012/6013 CLASS III, TYPES 1–4 Single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer flex circuitry Flex, rigid flex, and PCBA board assemblies Through-hole and surface-mount connector terminations Turnkey catalog jumper assemblies Fairway-Flex long-length flex circuit assemblies
	Ultra-Lightweight Tubular Expandable Braided Shielding for Satellite Applications Lightweight ArmorLite™ and AmberStrand® weight-reducing EMI/RFI shielding

Space-Grade Hold Down Release Mechanisms

Space-Grade Backshells, Shielding, and Conduit

Glenair Video Library

Hold Down and Release Mechanisms — Glenair GmbH

NASA Standards

Glenair supplies hermetic feed-thrus and hermetically-sealed receptacle connectors that meet the following NASA standards for interconnects used in manned spacecraft:

NATC (NASA Threaded Coupling)
SSQ21635 (NASA standard for circular, mostly hermetically sealed connectors used in manned spacecraft)
NASA-STD-8739 (NASA assembly standard for cable systems on the ISS, ESCC manufacturing standards are compliant)

Standard Configurations Include:

Hermetic power inserts based on MIL-DTL-5015 in shell sizes 25L to 37
Signal hermetic designs IAW MIL-DTL-38999 Series III shell sizes 9 to 25
Rated operating temperatures -115°C to 200°C (-175°F to 392°F)