Even the Mars Rover Uses Zip Ties (2021)

thedrive.com

16 points·ethanpil··10 comments

The most mind-blowing part of this isn't just that they use zip ties, but that these Tefzel ETFE ties are basically off-the-shelf parts you can buy a 100-pack of for under $30. It’s peak engineering pragmatism: why invent a bespoke million-dollar fastener when a $0.30 loop of plastic can already survive 2,000x normal radiation?

Can confirm, I've put tens of zip ties on a Mars lander, and in other science instruments!

Do you folks still use cable lacing (cord) for deep space missions?

You can see cabling with lacing in many images, for example:

Curiousity outside: https://mars.nasa.gov/raw_images/15126/?site=msl

Perseverance interal: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia23312-in-the-belly-of-the...

Interesting. These however appear to be tie-downs of (PU-cast?) cable assemblies rather than running lacing. See e.g. p35 and on in https://standards.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/standards/NAS...

I have used ty-rap before in multiple projects, can’t recall they failed me, especially in some drone builds where steel ties will add to the total gross weight.

When I discovered that you can daisy chain cable ties, I felt that I’d found a new law of DIY physics

What about Jesus Tape?

It's an unpopular opinion, but I swear that cable ties are a far more effective problem solver than Jesus/duct/gaffers tape. I always bring tie, and never tape

Why unpopular, I prefer cable ties too. But sometimes, for a quick fix, tape will also cover it.

Unless you happen to have Norris Ties, in that case, your done before you start! /s

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