This requirements document is applicable to all types of single or multicontact electrical connectors including: circular, rectangular printed circuit, rectangular micro-miniature, rectangular D-subminiature, rectangular rack and panel, coaxial, and hermetic. This document will be used to determine the minimum requirements for space applications. This document is not a mandatory requirements document but is for the purpose of providing guidance. For purposes of standardization and reference, several space environments are defined and include: habitable pressurized modules, low earth orbit, geosynchronous earth orbit, transatmospheric vehicle, lunar surface, Martian surface. The environmental categories are designed to be used as a default when considering how to alter any test for a specific application. The environmental categories are meant for reference purposes. When performing any test or screening procedure the parameters of the operational environment can be used to govern the test conditions. All test EIA test procedures referenced are to be considered as the normative test procedures. All military test procedures are referenced for information purposes. Any reference to the military or industry environments is only as a reference to the space environmental categories significant to this document. For actual military and industry environment parameters please consult the appropriate military specifications or ELA documents.

There are several tables and charts designed for cross-referencing which types of connectors need to be tested for which space environments and for cross-referencing what types of tests are necessary for what type of connector when being used in any space environment.

Objective

The objective of this document is to provide the information concerning what the minimum requirements are for all electrical connectors being used in any space flight application. This document is meant for guidance purposes and is not a procurement document. Once screened by the requirements outlined in this document (and in accordance with project engineering documentation) with the appropriate results, a connector can be considered "space grade" for a given space environment category that governs all test conditions and requirements. If environmental parameters are not specified for any given application by project documentation the appropriate environmental category defined in this document can be used to govern all test conditions.