Navigating the Challenges of a Space, Aerospace Journey

Q: What are the main challenges Axon Interconex's clients face and how does the company help them overcome them?

A: With nearshoring and the USMCA, more of our clients are requesting that our products be manufactured in Mexico, and we are working to have more projects in the country. We handle high-tech interconnection, which involves many consumables that are not readily available in Mexico, such as some adhesives or epoxies. We are talking with suppliers to ensure that we can obtain these through distributors or by purchasing them in the United States or Canada. We also closely follow our clients' needs, especially in the automotive and aerospace sectors, regarding regional content requirements. 

Q: What is Axon Interconex’s main differentiator in this nearshoring environment, especially considering that many of the production materials are not always available in Mexico?

A: Operating under the Axon’ Cable umbrella provides us with a significant advantage. When a product is transferred or there is a shortage, we might be able to find the stock at another Axon´ Cable subsidiary. Within the group, we work together to support projects. We have the flexibility to source materials from the European Union or Asia. This does not pose any problem for materials originating within the USMCA framework because we ensure compliance with content requirements and carefully manage the origin of our components.

Q: How does Axon Interconex address the high level of specialization in materials and requirements for aerospace industries?

A: We work with the aerospace cluster in Queretaro, FEMIA, and the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) to network and stay informed about industry trends, newcomers, and departures. We closely monitor the technical requirements for equipment, personnel types, descriptions, and industry profiles, especially in the aerospace and automotive sectors. 

We also provide technical seminars to educate academia on who we are, what we do, and our long-standing presence in the space sector. We are active in Mexico's space sector and aim to be ready for major projects when they arise.

Q: How does Axon Interconex contribute to the generation of standards pertaining to space projects and materials? 

A: We are part of the AEM’s National Standardization Technical Committee of Space (COTENNE) commission, which is the agency’s technical standardization council. We are working with AEM to review the actions of the most representative space agencies in the world, such as NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and among some other agencies with space activity, to ensure we are on par with any potential client or manufacturer. We also work with FEMIA’s space commission, which works closely with legislators to pass space regulations. 

Q: In which space projects is Axon Interconex involved?

A: We have been Involved in numerous space projects in orbit and beyond for over 20 years. Axon’ Cable has a wealth of experience in designing and manufacturing solutions able to withstand the stresses of launch and the harsh space environment. Rocket launchers, ISS, Mars rovers, LEO and GEO satellites, mega-constellations, manned and unmanned flights, thrusters, and experimental equipment are just a few examples. We have worked on projects heading to Mars and on the Ariane, Alphabus, Curiosity, Bepi, Colombo, Corot, Eurostar, Exomars, Gaia, Galileo, Globalstar, Insight, Iridium, Mangalyaan, Maven, O3B, Sentinel, Spacebus, and Vega.

Q: How did Axon Interconex support UNAM in the development of its nano-satellites?

A: For the past few years, we have been working with the Engineering School of UNAM and in Nuclear Science with the Laboratory LINX. We supply some universities and research centers and work with them on designs or cables, if needed. Universities bring the theory, and we combine it with our practical experience; it is a greatly complementary relationship. Since it is a developing industry, we always look to see what other countries and schools are doing. 

Q: Which other satellite projects is Axon Interconex working with? 

A: We work with almost all these projects, including Starlink or Kuiper Systems. We are also working with startups. We have projects with the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. Our office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, handles all of South America. We are very involved in the space sector because we have extensive heritage in the industry.

Q: How does Axon Interconex apply a sustainable approach to cable and harness production, considering that these materials in the space sector will end up beyond Earth's boundaries?

A: It is mandatory to invest in sustainability due to our agreements in the automotive and aerospace industries. Axon reinvests 10% of its sales into research and has over 700 engineers in France working on new and better materials. Our environmental policy always seeks to use biodegradable materials. We know that many of these still derive from petroleum, but we seek ways to comply with the automotive agreement for 2030 and the aerospace agreement for 2050.

We have an entire team working on sustainability. Within the group, we map the life cycle of our products to ensure they meet environmental impact commitments, especially considering potential space debris. We participate in ESA programs to develop debris collection methods, ensuring that the projects we participate in do not have a negative impact on space. We consider the life cycle of our products as well to ensure that they can be reused or recycled.

Q: How beneficial has it been for the company to be in Queretaro? 

A: Queretaro is excellent for our solutions because of its dry climate, which is friendly with electronics. The aerospace industry has grown significantly in the state because we have the supply chain environment. Since our arrival at Queretaro, the government provided support in terms of certifications, assistance, and training. The state has universities, labor, security, and more, making it easier for the industry to develop. We have the structure and support to grow. We initially came to the region for telecommunications, and from there, the automotive and aeronautic industry has become our strongest. 

Q: How is Axon’ Cable implementing AI in the production of its products?

A: We have semi-automated production lines, while some processes are still 100% hands-on. With the advent of Industry 4.0, we will have to consider implementing fully automated production lines. We do not have an innovation and development team in Mexico, I hope soon. 

Q: What are Axon Interconex's main priorities for personnel development or research projects? 

A: We transferred a new product line to Mexico last year, which involves micro-connectors. These are very robust connectors designed for the aerospace industry. We now produce over 5,000 parts numbers. This product is a standard and will eventually migrate from aerospace to military applications. We will also be able to do some subassemblies, especially for parts required for special applications that do not need cleanroom conditions or specific certifications. We can also make specific harnesses.
 

Axon has over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of innovative links and electrical connections for severe environments. It supplies numerous industries including automotive, avionics, defense, space, medical, industry, scientific, and oil research.