SpaceX Dragon Utilizes Cooper Interconnect Non-Explosive Actuators

CAMARILLO, Calif., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Interconnect, a leading manufacturer of interconnect solutions, today announced that Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) utilized Cooper Interconnect non-explosive actuators on the Dragon Spacecraft to support the mission to become the first commercial vehicle in history to attach to the International Space Station. 

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Non-explosive actuators enable containment and release of hardware during different phases of a space mission. Typical spacecraft applications include deployment of covers to expose docking collars, unfolding of antenna and solar-power arrays, and opening parachutes.

The Dragon launched on May 22nd; attached to the International Space Station on May 25th; and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on May 31st. The Dragon spacecraft is comprised of three main elements: a nose cone, a pressurized capsule, and an unpressurized cargo trunk.

The non-explosive actuators were installed on the Dragon capsule to facilitate a broad range of mission-critical functionality including nose-cone deployment needed to expose the docking adapter, release of the trunk before re-entry into the atmosphere, opening of the main-parachute door before splashdown and for the contingency flight release of the grapple fixture that was not required in this mission.

"Cooper Interconnect is proud to have attained a 100 percent success rate with our non-explosive actuators during the historic mission to dock the first commercial spacecraft to the International Space Station," said Peter Milstead, Cooper Interconnect's director of marketing for military and aerospace products. "This challenging technical feat is especially impressive as it has previously only been accomplished with the government resources of the United States, Russia, Japan, and the European Space Agency."

Non-Explosive Actuator (NEA) solutions provided by Cooper Interconnect include: bypass switches, cable releases, pin pullers, separation nuts, tension releases, and flight-termination systems. For more information, please visit www.cooperinterconnect.com.

About Cooper Interconnect

Cooper Interconnect, a Cooper Wiring Devices' business unit, is a leading manufacturer of sophisticated interconnect solutions for demanding environments and features well-known brands such as G&H, WPI, Burton, General Connector brands, Cam-Lok, and Thorkom. A subsidiary of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), Cooper Wiring Devices is headquartered in Peachtree City, GA with international manufacturing and distribution facilities. For more information on Cooper Interconnect visit www.cooperinterconnect.com.

Cooper Wiring Devices, a trusted name in electrical products, features Arrow Hart commercial and industrial solutions, CORE Lighting Controls, residential wiring devices and Cooper Interconnect industrial, military, aerospace, and subsea connectivity solutions. Cooper Wiring Devices is committed to providing products that increase productivity, energy efficiency, safety at work and in the home, and provide reliable performance.

About Cooper Industries

Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2011 revenues of $5.4 billion.  Founded in 1833 Cooper's sustained success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation and evolving business practices, while maintaining the highest ethical standards and meeting customer needs.  The Company has seven operating divisions with leading market positions and world-class products and brands, including Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products.  With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety.  In 2011 sixty-two percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and forty percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States.  Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2011.  For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.

SOURCE Cooper Interconnect