SpaceNXT™ Aurora Hard Metric Backplane Connectors Smiths Interconnect SpaceNXT™ Aurora Hard Metric Backplane Connectors are high-reliability hard metric backplane connectors designed and tested for next-generation commercial space applications. Smiths Interconnect SpaceNXT Aurora is tested to the European Space Agency (ESA) 3401 specification, allowing it to withstand the rigors of most space applications. These Smiths Interconnect connectors feature enhanced gold plating with 1.27μm (50µ') coverage on contact mating surfaces, which provides consistent durability, improved contact resistance stability, and greater resistance to fretting versus alternate plating materials. The connector system complies with the widely used Hard Metric CompactPCI® specification, making it easily integrated into existing platform architecture. The series is footprint and envelope compatible with COTS 2mm, allowing for using a wide range of available accessories, such as guide hardware.