Cobham’s space products team provides the customer with maximum value by utilizing our strong hardware heritage and unique design authority for all elements of pneumatic subsystems. By characterizing and optimizing the designs and interactions of the different elements of the subsystem, Cobham is able to provide best value solutions for robust, lightweight pneumatic subsystems with uncompromised safety and reliability.
Environmental Control and Life Support Products
The Atmospheric Revitalization & Pressure Control System (ARPCS) was developed for the Space Shuttle Orbiter. It provides a two-gas atmosphere of nitrogen and oxygen to the crew compartment and habitable payload modules. ARPCS consists of a nitrogen/oxygen control panel, nitrogen/oxygen supply panel, oxygen partial pressure sensors, cabin positive pressure relief valves, cabin negative pressure relief valves, and cabin pressure bleed valves.
The Primary Life Support System (PLSS), as part of the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit, controls suit pressure to 4.3 psia during extravehicular activity and to 0.65 psid during intravehicular activity. It also pressurizes the water tanks of the EMU thermal control system.
The Secondary Oxygen Regulator (SOP) controls the ventilation pressure within the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) when the primary pressure control module becomes disabled. The regulator steps down high supply pressure to suit pressure in two stages. The design accommodates failure of either stage without jeopardizing the user.
The Water Spray Boiler Regulator, for the Space Shuttle Orbiter's water spray boiler subsystem, has integral relief valves and provides approximately 25 psid nitrogen to the system's water tanks. The pressure is used to spray cooling water over a radiator to remove heat generated by the Shuttle's auxiliary power unit and hydraulic systems.
Cobham has supplied components for the nitrogen/oxygen control system for the International Space Station Joint Airlock. These Cabin Pressure Relief and Isolation Valves are representative of a larger suite of components including manual and motor driven isolation valves, regulators, relief valves, pressure sensors, and flow restrictors.
Propulsion Space System Products
The Hypersonic Reaction Control Regulator (part number B47630-1) is a direct acting single stage unit designed to flow nitrogen gas as an integral part of a cold gas system.
The Missile Defense Regulator (part number B44160-11) is a direct acting single stage unit designed to flow gas for pressurization of fuel and/or oxidizer tanks and actuation valves in rocket propulsion systems.
The Satellite Propulsion Regulator (part number B40351-1) is used to pressurize the bipropellant tanks of communications satellite propulsion systems.
The GEM 60 Helium Regulator (part number B42399-3) controls the flow of gaseous helium in high performance solid rocket motor thrust vector actuation systems, allowing the motor to pivot and thereby control the orientation of the launch vehicle while in flight. It is qualified for use on the GEM 60, which is a graphite epoxy motor that supplies extra boost to the Delta IV launch vehicle.