Space Electronics Design & Manufacturing
Engineering for space: where failure simply isn’t an option
The space environment presents challenges that would destroy conventional electronics within hours. We’ve spent years developing solutions that work reliably in conditions that push the boundaries of what’s physically possible.
What we do best
Component selection & qualification
Component specifications should consider factors like temperature range, vibration resistance, vacuum compatibility, and long-term reliability – complying with the relevant standards.
- Temperature optimisation (-200°C to +150°C)
- Vibration and shock resistance
- Vacuum compatibility and outgassing control
- Long-term reliability assessment
Radiation hardening solutions
Protecting electronics from solar and cosmic radiation.
A fundamental difference between terrestrial and space electronics is the requirement to withstand the increased solar and cosmic radiation that it will be exposed to. The impact of radiation can be mitigated by design considerations throughout a system’s development i.e. at the component / circuit / device / system-level.
Multi-level approach:
- At the component level specialist processes (such as Silicon on Insulator (SOI), Silicon Carbide, and GaN) can be used to reduce components’ susceptibility to charge. Components can also be selected that are pre-qualified for Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Single Event Effects (SEE).
- At the circuit level sporadic events or glitches can be accommodated with approaches like temporal filtering or Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) employing triplicate logic circuits with majority voting. Whilst timers, resets and current management are amongst the techniques for resisting and recovering from latching or hang-ups.
- Guard rings and general miniaturisation can provide device level protection, along with general shielding as well as the specific physical protection of critical components.
System-level reliability engineering
Building intelligence into every layer.
At a system level there are both hardware and software approaches to improve reliability
- Critical components and functions should be replicated to provide redundancy
- Hardware should be reconfigurable, such as scrubbing within FPGAs to enable repair following a SEE. A similar approach could be periodic reboots to prevent the accumulation of SEEs in software state
- Where damage can’t be prevented graceful degradation should be planned for such that partial failures don’t compromise the entire system
- Fault detection and correction within software via checksums and data integrity checks
- As described with hardware, voting between redundant computations can enable algorithmic fault detection
Out-of-this-world challenges
Collaboration with ClearSpace
Plextek partnered with ClearSpace, a company specializing in space debris removal, on a project to develop RPO radars that facilitate the precise rendezvous and capture of space debris. This collaboration leverages Plextek’s expertise in radar technology to support ClearSpace’s mission of ensuring the sustainability of space activities through active debris removal initiatives, as part of their CLEAR mission.
“In this mission, we chose Plextek due to their proven technical expertise. Their radar systems are instrumental for achieving the paramount need for safety and precision in proximity operations.”
Valentin Valhondo
Technical Program Manager, ClearSpace
Ready to Start Your Space Project?
Initial chat
- Tell us about your mission requirements and challenges. We’ll discuss whether we’re a good fit and outline potential approaches.
Technical review
- Our engineers review your specifications and provide a preliminary assessment with realistic recommendations.
Detailed proposal
- Technical proposal including component selection, testing strategy, and fixed-price quotation where possible.
Why radar should be on your radar
Space missions demand sensors that work in brutal conditions - and radar works when everything else fails.
Driving Radar Innovation for Space in the CLEAR Mission
Plextek Supports ClearSpace in Completing Phase 2 of Mission CLEAR, Strengthening UK’s Leadership In Orbit Services.
Why Radar is Becoming Essential in Mission Assurance
Recent high profile reports of lunar lander failures due to loss of altitude and doppler sensing data show the necessity for a suite of sensors, making radar now essential for mission assurance.
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The Future of Connectivity: 5G, 6G, and Space-Based Networks
As industries push the boundaries of global connectivity, the integration of 5G and drive towards 6G with satellite and space-based networks is unlocking new opportunities. Kevin Cobley, an expert in this evolving field, shares his insights on the challenges and innovations shaping the future of non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
mmWave Technology for Space Sensing and Operations
Discover our advanced mmWave radar platform for safer and more efficient space missions.
Continuing to Lead in Radar Development for Pioneering CLEAR Mission
We continue to advance radar technology for the CLEAR mission, reinforcing the partnership with ClearSpace and the UK Space Agency for sustainable space safety and debris removal.
Revolutionising chronic pain management
Fusing mmWave technology and healthcare innovation to devise a ground-breaking, non-invasive pain management solution, demonstrating our commitment to advancing healthtech.
Pioneering Advanced In-Orbit Servicing
Pioneering a ground-breaking collaboration in advanced in-orbit servicing, setting new benchmarks for space debris removal and satellite maintenance.
Unlocking the mysteries of imaging radar data processing
Looking deeper into the cutting edge of imaging radar data processing, where innovative techniques and practical applications combine to drive forward solutions.
Advancing space technology solutions through innovation
At the forefront of space technology innovation, we address complex engineering challenges in the sector, delivering low size, weight, and power solutions tailored for the harsh environment of space.
