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Cryoconnect Division: Tekdata Interconnections Ltd.
Company Description
Cryoconnect is a specialist division of Tekdata's Interconnect Systems. Formed in 1969 with over 40 years of experience we are pleased to work closely with designers to supply highly reliable solutions for all your cryogenic cabling needs. ESA and NASA approved, Cryoconnect is used in dilution refrigerators, cryogenic systems, superconducting magnet systems, low temperature detector systems, infrared array systems, and housekeeping on cryogenic systems of all scales.
Contact Information
Innovation House - The Glades
Stoke-on-Trent
United Kingdom
Press Releases
| Cryoconnect Reveals Contribution to Astronomical Challenge
Tekdata Interconnects Cryoconnect Division has completed delivery of bespoke flight harnesses for the Alpha Mass Spectrometer, a space-research instrument due to be launched to the International Space Station aboard one of the last ever NASA Space Shuttle mission in 2010.
The Alpha Mass Spectrometer (AMS) will detect and analyse high-energy particles and radiation, operating at an altitude of 200 nautical miles to avoid the obscuring effects of the earth’s atmosphere. Its main component is a superconducting magnet cooled by superfluid helium to extremely low temperature, around 1.8K. The magnet produces high field strength of around 7T (Tesla), sufficient to deflect the particles contained in cosmic rays to allow their characteristics to be analysed in detail. The results from five different types of detectors, contributing to over 300,000 data channels, are expected to increase understanding of the origins of the universe and acquire experimental data to compare with theories about anti-matter and dark matter – which is believed to make up 80 percent of the universe.
In addition to performing cosmology and particle physics experiments, the AMS also provides a test-bed for research into superconducting magnets. These are expected to be a key component of cosmic-ray protection systems necessary for long-distance manned spaceflight, such as a mission to Mars, and may also form the basis of space-vehicle propulsion systems in the future.
The flight harnesses designed by Cryoconnect include signal wiring for the ultra-low-temperature detectors, as well as connections to system-monitoring functions such as thermometry. Working with project members Cryoconnect developed and built purpose-designed connectors and miniature cables using materials such as resistance alloys for predictable performance and minimal heat burden at cryogenic temperatures. The company is able to produce specialist connectors in low volumes, cost effectively, on a fast-turnaround basis, which enabled the AMS project to meet the performance, delivery and budgetary targets for the flight harnesses.
Roy Blake, who led the Cryoconnect development team, commented, “It has been a tremendous privilege for Cryoconnect to contribute to this technically advanced project, as a small part of a large consortium including over 200 scientists from 31 institutions and 15 countries. |
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