Switchgear, Connectors and the Small Parts Nobody Plans For
Why do the cheapest parts now have the longest lead times?
Chapter summary
the parts that move electricity and signals around a satellite, space-grade switchgear, relays, fuses, connectors and harnesses, are inexpensive and unglamorous, and they are among the hardest to obtain.
Key takeaways
- 1
The PwC/AIA study of March 2026 reported space-grade power distribution components, including solid-state switchgear, with lead times of up to 27 months, and singled out connectors as having extremely low production capacity.
- 2
These parts share factories and materials with power grids, data centres, aircraft and defence electronics, all of which are expanding at once.
- 3
Setcoin scores switchgear 71 and connectors 68, both serious.
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