In the last decade, two connector types have emerged for harsh environment applications: the USConec MTP array connector type for parallel communications using multimode ribbon fiber and the Diamond AVIM DIN type connector with active alignment for single or multimode applications. The Diamond AVIM was qualified for flight applications during the mid-1990s by Lockheed Martin and has continued to be used and qualified by NASA and ESA since then.
The first time NASA Goddard used the AVIM connector was for single and multimode interconnections on the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESAT) GeoScience Laser Altimeter (GLAS). Four different types of fiber were used: two types of multimode and two types of single mode. In addition, a 2 kilometer single mode optical fiber delay line was implemented for use on orbit calibration.[8] During the development of GLAS, several optical fiber candidates were tested for radiation-induced scintillation effects, and no results that would affect performance were detected.[9] The standard AVIM connector continued to be used on the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA), Shuttle-Return-to-Flight High Definition heat tile sensor camera, and will be used on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter that is ready to launch later this year (18 april 2009).
The MTP connector was developed for communications applications and to be compatible with the newly available Vertical Cavity Surface Emitter Laser (VCSEL) technology that arrived in the mid 1990s. The first NASA GSFC mission scheduled to fly this connector was the Spaceborne Fiber Optic Data Bus (FODB). Several qualification studies on the connector and cable assembly were conducted for NASA and the Department of Energy and published in the past decade.

It is expected, based on current requests, that single connector arrays will continue to be in high demand due to the successful development of the custom array bundles developed for both LOLA and Laser Ranging on LRO. No longer will designers be constrained by having the receiver detectors near the transmitters. Fiber lasers are a viable technology for harsh environments, and terminations will be necessary for implementation. The NASA Photonics Group continues to encourage emerging technologies through development efforts for flight projects and through evaluation programs of vendor-provided technologies through the NASA Parts and Packaging Program.

In addition to the MTP connector for communication purposes, science instruments will still require optical fiber arrays of various types for moving light from one location on the instrument to another. Single connector arrays tailored to a variety of harsh environments and remote locations will continue to be of interest.

If Valdor connector pass the test by Lockheed Martin and get a MIL number then the Valdor connector is open for Nasa also I guess. AVIM connector can withstand 125 celsius and Valdor have a connector that can withstand higher temperature (160celsius) then the AVIM connector.