New Delhi: As the European Space Agency’s (ESA) BepiColombo mission approaches Mercury after an eight-year interplanetary journey, Exxelia confirms that several of its film capacitors, common mode chokes and power inductors are integrated into critical onboard electronic systems. These components support power conversion, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), filtering and long-term electronic reliability throughout one of Europe’s most demanding deep-space programmes.
Jointly developed by ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), BepiColombo was launched in 2018 to study Mercury’s magnetic field, internal structure, surface composition and interaction with the Sun. Reaching Mercury required multiple gravity-assist manoeuvres around Earth, Venus and Mercury before orbital insertion, exposing onboard electronics to prolonged radiation, thermal cycling and the vacuum of space.
Film Capacitors Designed for Long-duration Space Missions
Electronic systems operating in space require components capable of maintaining stable electrical performance over many years without maintenance or replacement.
Among the technologies deployed on the mission, Exxelia’s PM90x, PM90 and PM907 film capacitors are designed for high-reliability applications requiring long operational life and electrical stability. The capacitor family incorporates a self-healing metallised polyester dielectric, a low-inductance construction, a thermoplastic case sealed with epoxy resin, and operates across a temperature range of -55°C to +125°C.
Depending on the version, the range covers DC voltage ratings from 50 V up to 1250 V, making it suitable for demanding power conversion and filtering architectures. The PM907 series is available in both radial and surface-mount configurations, with space-quality screening options supporting aerospace qualification programmes. Electrical characteristics include high insulation resistance, low dissipation factor and a construction optimised for high-frequency switched-mode power supplies.
Common Mode Chokes and Power Inductors for Power Integrity
Alongside its film capacitors, Exxelia supplies CMC Series common mode chokes and SESI Series power inductors for spacecraft electronic subsystems.
The CMC Series is designed to attenuate common-mode electromagnetic interference while maintaining low insertion losses, helping electronic systems meet stringent EMC requirements.
The SESI Series provides compact, high-current magnetic solutions for power conversion and energy management. Designed for harsh aerospace environments, these inductors combine high efficiency, mechanical robustness and stable electrical characteristics over a wide operating temperature range.
Together, these technologies contribute to power conversion, EMI suppression, signal filtering and the protection of sensitive electronic equipment, supporting stable operation throughout the mission despite prolonged exposure to the harsh space environment.
Supporting Long-Duration Space Programmes
Film capacitors, common mode chokes and power inductors perform key functions in spacecraft power distribution, filtering and electronic control systems. Their long-term reliability is essential for missions where maintenance is impossible and operational lifetimes extend over many years.
