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Objectives

Building Europe's Next Generation Of Space-Grade Connectors

 

At CONNCERTO, we specialize in delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the digital age. Our mission is to bridge the gap between creativity and innovation, ensuring our clients stay ahead of the curve. With a focus on software development, cloud computing, and AI integration, we provide tailored services designed to meet the unique needs of each client.

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The challenge

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A Horizon Europe call for EU non-dependence in critical electronic components identified four priority connector types for space applications:
 

  • C2: High-density, high-frequency connectors from Ka to W-band for active antenna RF front-ends

  • C3: Solderless board-to-board connectors for combined DC/RF signals

  • C4: Solderless board-to-board blind-mate connectors for ≥56 Gbps high-data-rate links


CONNCERTO focuses on categories C2–C4, which cover the most urgent and broadest needs across commercial SatCom, Earth observation and navigation missions.

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What we're building

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Today's European connectors are typically limited to DC-Ka band frequencies and modest data rates. Most still require soldered assembly and fall short of the compactness modern satellite architectures now demand. CONNCERTO pushes past those limits with three new connector families:
 

  • Miniaturized coaxial connectors (under 2 mm) tolerant to misalignment, for dense active antenna arrays

  • Solderless "bullet" board-to-board connectors for RF and high-speed signal links, improving reusability and minimizing signal loss

  • ​High-density, multi-point interconnects supporting more than 56 Gbps of digital data alongside RF signals up to 40 GHz


Each connector is built to withstand the extreme thermal ranges, vibration and radiation of the space environment, and each will be demonstrated in representative conditions (TRL 5-6) by the end of the project. That takes European connector maturity from an initial TRL of ~3 to a qualification-ready TRL of ~6.

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WHAT WE'RE BUILDING
TOWARD A EUROPEAN STANDARD

Toward a European standard

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Beyond the technology itself, CONNCERTO aims to change how these components reach the market. The consortium is following ESA space qualification standards and preparing the documentation and test evidence needed for eventual ESCC qualification and inclusion in the European Preferred Parts List (EPPL). In practice, that means shifting connectors away from custom, program-specific "equipment" and toward standard, off-the-shelf European components, lowering costs, simplifying procurement for future missions and strengthening the competitiveness of European satellite manufacturers.

Our two core objectives​

 

Beyond the technology itself, CONNCERTO aims to change how these components reach the market. The consortium is following ESA space qualification standards and preparing the documentation and test evidence needed for eventual ESCC qualification and inclusion in the European Preferred Parts List (EPPL). In practice, that means shifting connectors away from custom, program-specific "equipment" and toward standard, off-the-shelf European components, lowering costs, simplifying procurement for future missions and strengthening the competitiveness of European satellite manufacturers.

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OBJECTIVE 1

Develop four space-qualified connectors

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The first step is designing and building all four target connectors to meet the project's technical requirements:

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  • High-density, high-frequency interconnects from Ka to W-band for active antenna RF front-ends

  • Solderless board-to-board connectors for combined DC and RF signals

  • ​Solderless, radiation-tolerant, blind-mate board-to-board connectors for high-data-rate applications (>56 Gb/s)high-data-rate applications (>56 Gb/s)

 

OBJECTIVE 2

Qualify and validate the connectors

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Ensure rigorous evaluation, qualification, and EPPL preparation through advanced assessment, digital traceability, and demonstration in a space-representative platform. This covers electrical testing, mechanical robustness, environmental stress resistance, and failure mode analysis, plus the technical documentation needed to engage with certification bodies. The connectors will also be integrated into a demonstrator for system-level performance validation.

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OBJECTIVES

Key performance indicators

INDICATOR

 

  • Electrical reliability

  • Electrical consistency

  • Mechanical robustness

  • Environmental resilience

  • Failure mode analysis

  • Data traceability

METRIC

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  • Resistance variation

  • RF performance stability

  • Mating cycle count

  • Vibration & thermal cycling

  • Root cause identification

  • Technical dossier completeness

TARGET

 

  • <5% from nominal after test

  • Stable across misalignments

  • >500 cycles, no performance loss

  • Pass/fail per ESCC-3402

  • For any anomalous behaviour

  • ≥95% of required documentation

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