Optical Harness Components for Space Applications

This white paper outlines the components and procurement processes for optical harnesses used in space applications. It begins by defining optical harnesses and their role in transmitting information in spacecraft, emphasizing the need for reliability in harsh environments. The document details the various components of an optical harness, including fibers, cables, connectors, and adapters, while discussing standards from the telecommunications industry and the European Space Agency (ESA). It also describes the procurement procedure, highlighting the importance of quality grades and the ESCC specifications for optical connectors. The paper presents Diamond's contributions to the field, including the development of the AVIM® and Mini AVIM® connectors, which have been utilized in significant space missions. The document concludes by addressing the quality grades defined by Diamond, which cater to different application requirements, ensuring compliance and reliability in space missions.