Executive Brief

SFC-100.

A space-rated fiber optic connector that replaces copper.

SAMLLC · Spec Complete · 2026

01 — Problem

Copper in vacuum

Every spacecraft connector in production uses copper contacts designed for atmospheric environments. In vacuum, copper outgasses. Thermal cycling fatigues solder joints. EMI shielding adds mass across thousands of connections per vehicle.

Fiber optic alternatives exist but are fragile, alignment-critical (sub-micron tolerances), and have no configurable keying standard.

A single Starlink satellite has hundreds of interconnects — each one a copper liability.

02 — Solution

Expanded beam, self-centering

The SFC-100 uses a V-cone geometry that self-centers on mate. GRIN collimating lenses expand the beam to 1mm diameter — two orders of magnitude larger than the fiber core.

This transforms a sub-micron alignment problem into a millimeter-scale mechanical problem solvable with gloved hands in EVA conditions.

10×

Bandwidth vs copper

⅛

Mass vs copper assembly

0

EMI susceptibility

03 — Design

Key specifications

Alignment: V-cone expanded-beam. Self-centering. No microscope, no active alignment, no clean bench.
Optics: GRIN collimating lenses. Tolerates 50µm lateral misalignment and 2° angular error.
Ferrule: Zirconia inserts. Survives -180°C to +150°C without micro-cracking.
Seal: Single copper gasket. Nitrogen purge on ground, vacuum-native on orbit.
Keying: 24-position configurable. Prevents cross-mating across an entire vehicle harness.
Fibers: Four multimode in a diamond — two primary, two redundant. Each carries 10× copper bandwidth.

04 — Performance

Built for the field

Insertion loss: <0.5 dB typical. Expanded beam trades some loss for alignment tolerance.
Mate cycles: 500+ rated. V-cone distributes contact forces — no single-point wear.
Temperature: -180°C to +150°C operational. Full cryo-to-hot cycle without degradation.
EVA-compatible: Gloved hands. No tools. Tactile confirmation of engagement.

Fiber is a dielectric. No shielding mass, no ground loops, no susceptibility to the radiation environment. EMI immunity is inherent, not engineered.

05 — Status

Ready for prototype

Procurement package (Rev E) and spec sheet complete. Ready for prototype fabrication.

Initial prototype run: ~$8-12K for 10 units through a precision optics house.

The SFC-100 is a standalone product. It doesn't require the Lattice network. Any spacecraft integrator can evaluate it on its own merits as a copper-replacement connector.