Home
»
Engineering Services
»
Aerospace Instruments And Payloads
»
Space-Qualified Flow Meter Electronics
Aerospace Instruments And Payloads
Space-Qualified Flow Meter Electronics
Model 100 Space Flight-Ready Flow Meter Electronics
Bionetics’ experience with a variety of aerospace applications has allowed us to develop a number of space-grade solutions for different mission profiles and budget constraints, from fully-qualified exterior-mounted instruments with integrated electronics systems to sensors following a new-space approach with more commercial grade components. Contact us to discuss how our space flowmeters can be custom-tailored for your mission.
Key Requirements for Space Flight Flow Meter Electronics
Environmental Resilience
- Vibration & Temperature Tolerance: Designed to withstand -40°F to 120°F (-40°C to 49°C) and harsh launch vibrations.
- Space Environment Compatibility: Built to operate reliably in microgravity and other extreme space conditions.
Performance
- High Accuracy & Repeatability: Ideal for critical missions including fuel transfer and life support.
- Fast Response Time: Essential for dynamic flow conditions and transient detection.
- Wide Turndown Ratio: Measures across a broad range of flow rates with precision.
Design and Testing
- Space Qualification: All components are rigorously tested to meet space-grade standards.
- Modular Architecture: Facilitates easy replacement and integration with existing systems.
Functionality
- Broad Fluid Compatibility: Supports measurement of fuels, water, and coolants.
- Integrated Data Systems: Ready for full integration with spacecraft data and control modules.
Standards and Reliability
- NASA & Aerospace Standard Compliance: Ensures mission safety and system interoperability.
- Radiation Hardening: Built to survive the harsh radiation environments of space missions.
- Zero-Gravity Operation: Engineered for reliable measurement in microgravity conditions.
Aerospace Grade Solutions
Bionetics history with space missions has allowed us to develop two types of aerospace solutions, Grade I and Grade II flowmeter systems. Grade I systems follow an old-space design philosophy with mil-spec electronic components, highly engineered custom sensors, and a rigorous validation and test program. Grade II systems follow a new-space approach, using a modified version of our commercial grade electronics to support lower-budget, faster-turnaround missions while still meeting major aerospace design criteria such as low outgassing, and vibration-resistant components. The table below illustrates the differences between our commercial, Grade II, and Grade I designs.
Click here for on our Aerospace Flow Meter Product Summary.
| Requirements | Commercial | Grade II | Grade I |
| Capacitors | Electrolytic | Ceramic/Tantalum | Ceramic/Tantalum |
| Calibration Settings | Potentiometers | Soldered Resistors | Soldered Resistors |
| Input/Output Connections | Screw Terminals | Solder Turrets | Solder Turrets /Mil-Spec Connectors |
| IPC Class of PCB | Class 2 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
| Conformal Coating | Commercial Product | NASA Approved Aerospace Product | NASA Approved Aerospace Product |
| Foam Insulation | Commercial Product | NASA Approved Aerospace Product | NASA Approved Aerospace Product |
| Outgassing | N/A | Low Outgassing Materials | Low Outgassing Materials |
| Power Input | 9-30VDC, 110-240VAC | 9-60VDC, VPT Converter | 9-60VDC, VPT Converter |
| Enclosure | NEMA 4/NEMA 7 | None | Custom Aluminum |
| Circuitry | Analog/Digital Options | Analog COTS parts | Custom High-Rad, Mil-Spec |
| PCB Dimensions | 3.25” x 5.40” | 3.25” x 5.40” | Custom |
| Electronics Style | Remote/Integral Options | Remote | Remote/Integral Custom |
Contact Us
To learn more about our Rheotherm Space Flight Electronics or to request a detailed specification sheet, contact us at
sales-flow@bionetics.com or call (614) 895-0301.
© 2025 The Bionetics Corporation. All rights reserved.
Have a Question?