TR Fastenings has been commissioned to supply high strength blind rivets for the ground-penetrating radar system on NASA’s 2020 Mars Exploration Rover. This will be the first time that the company has provided components for a space mission.
The radar, known as RIMFAX (Radar Imager for Mars’ Subsurface Exploration), is one of seven scientific instruments on the Exploration Rover.
The rivets help ensure the structural integrity of the radar’s antenna, which is constructed to aerospace standards from lightweight aluminium sheet metal and assembled from several complex shaped parts.
RIMFAX’s ground penetrating radar has the capability to reveal subsurface terrains such as lava flows, buried channels, and polar ice cap stratigraphy.
“It’s incredible to think of those fasteners being used in outer space! We are extremely proud to be involved in the next Mars mission and everyone at TR is looking forward to the launch with great excitement.” comments Jan-Erik Storsve of TR Fastenings Norway
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
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