Axon' link on Mars orbit

Clear up mystery of universe Axon’ has supplied high data rate links to NASA for space exploration space-probe Maven (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) which will insert Mars orbit on 21st September. Maven is part of the « Mars Scout » program. The aim of this mission: explore the loss of volatile compounds—such as CO2 and H2O—from the Martian atmosphere to space. Launched on the 18th November 2013 from Cape Canaveral in Florida it took ten months for the spacecraft to travel the 711 million kilometers that separate earth from Mars. Data links 10 times faster than high speed internet Axon’s challenge: design a space saving high data rate link which resists to the harsh environment conditions in space. Axon’ made it with Axomach, a patented harness brand-named according to the « Mach » number used to characterize the flight speed of star fighters. Axomach link for Maven is composed of four low loss coaxial cables forming 2 differential pairs with a 2.4 mm diameter and a weight of only 16 g/m, as well as two micro-miniature gold plated aluminum connectors. Axon’ has also supplied the miniature connector terminated to the spacecraft’s PCBs. The Axon’ harness will transmit serial data rates of about 2.5 G bits / s, that to say 10 times more than high speed internet connections. This is the first time an Axomach ™ link is sent as for into space! If NASA scientists get data able to explain history of Mars' atmosphere, Axon’ will have contributed a tiny bit to this discovery.

For more information on Axon' link on Mars orbit talk to Axon Cable Ltd