Take Me to Space (and back again)! Or A Blog on TE SPEC 55 Cable

If you design and build products that are sent into outer space one thing you know for sure is that failure is not an option. 

One of the things that I continue to be amazed by is the level of engineering technology that goes behind the type of products that go into space and later are used in more commercial applications.

This week I bring you TE SPEC 55 cable (not to be confused with Type 55).   The main property being made with Low Fluoride (LF) which offers a wire insulation system that mitigates the concern for corrosion of components due to outgassing, in confined areas.

According to TE “TE’s fluoride off-gassing values typically run in the single digits, which is important to Space, Launch and Missile Platform customers. In addition, our insulation is robust, rugged and available in both single and dual wall for additional weight savings”.

Made from rugged fluoropolymer, TE’s SPEC 55 LF insulation system has an outgassing rating of less than 10 PPM, which helps reduce the potential for corrosion of other components due to trapped gases escaping in a vacuum or low-pressure environment.


In addition to having an outgassing rating significantly below 20 PPM as specified under MIL-SPEC SAE-AS22759, the SPEC 55 LF insulation system offers five times the scrape abrasion requirement under that standard. This rugged construction is paired with versatility. The SPEC 55 LF system is available in lightweight single wall or extra rugged dual wall variants, and customers can choose from various cable configurations, including custom options.

If you are reading this and thinking none of this makes sense, it’s ok!  We are looking at the highest performing wires there is out there.

I personally find the idea of engineering for space fascinating and knowing how this technology drives innovations, it is interesting to consider the wider use of this high preforming wire in everyday life. 

Think about how we can take products built for space and use them for high performance electronics.  It is from here that true innovation take place.

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