US: Cobham announces at the 34th Space Symposium (Stand 509) it has recently been awarded contracts by Lockheed Martin Space to supply a suite of space-rated life support and propulsion components for NASA’s Orion deep space exploration spacecraft. The components will fly on the Exploration Mission-2 crew module, the first flight of Orion with astronauts onboard. Components for the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) include regulators, positive pressure relief valves, check and relief valves, pyrotechnic valves, and oxygen service valves used to maintain a life-sustaining environment for the astronauts.
The propulsion components include pyrotechnic valves that isolate and release helium used to pressurize the Reaction Control System and Crew Module Uprighting System. The service valves are used to fill the propellant and pressurant tanks that are also part of these systems.
Cobham has a long heritage as the world leader in space life support systems starting from the design of John Glenn’s breathing regulator used in Project Mercury. Since then, every NASA astronaut has breathed using Cobham life support equipment. “Supporting the Orion program builds on our pedigree to develop technology for future missions that will extend the reach of humanity into deep space,” said Eric Stellrecht, Product Director, Space, at Cobham Mission Systems.
In addition to life support products, Cobham also offers satellite electric propulsion products including latching valves, mechanical regulators, proportional flow valves, composite tanks, and complete feed systems. Our design expertise in all these elements allows us to create unique integrated solutions to meet the most challenging performance, budget or production requirements.
