A snap-on getter pumping element comprising a getter module subassembly (10; 20; 30; 40) and a heater module subassembly that are firmly but reversibly joined through coupling elements (602, 602', 602"), and a closed cable module (57; 67) that has electrical connectors (58; 68, 68') wherein: a. said getter module subassembly (10; 20; 30; 40), contains one or more getter stacks (13; 23', 23; 33, 33', 33", 33′′′, 33 IV , 33 V ) and has a case with a side wall on its external surface and two metallic case bases fixed to the side wall , with a base (11; 21; 31; 41) to be coupled to said heater module subassembly being holed in its center, at least one of said metallic case bases being provided with positioning means for said one or more getter stacks (13; 23', 23; 33, 33', 33", 33′′′, 33 IV , 33 V ) that are disposed around a central empty space inscribable in a circle with diameter D within the getter module subassembly case; b. the heater module subassembly contains one or more heaters mounted in a central position of a first surface of a heater module subassembly base, said one or more heaters being insertable in said central empty space of the getter module subassembly case via the holed getter subassembly base (11; 21; 31; 41); characterized in that the side wall is grid-like, said closed cable module (57; 67) is mounted on a second surface of the heater module subassembly base, opposite to the first surface , and said electrical connectors (58; 68, 68') are located on its surface opposite with respect to the one in contact with the heater module subassembly , and in that at least two floating threaded rods project from said second surface of the heater subassembly base, and in that said coupling elements (602, 602', 602") do not project beyond the closed cable module , whereas said floating threaded rods project beyond the closed cable module by a sufficient amount to provide a firm screwing connection to an external support while allowing the electrical connectors (58; 68, 68') to connect with matching plug-and-socket electrical connections present on said external support. a. said getter module subassembly (10; 20; 30; 40), contains one or more getter stacks (13; 23', 23; 33, 33', 33", 33′′′, 33 IV , 33 V ) and has a case with a side wall on its external surface and two metallic case bases fixed to the side wall , with a base (11; 21; 31; 41) to be coupled to said heater module subassembly being holed in its center, at least one of said metallic case bases being provided with positioning means for said one or more getter stacks (13; 23', 23; 33, 33', 33", 33′′′, 33 IV , 33 V ) that are disposed around a central empty space inscribable in a circle with diameter D within the getter module subassembly case; b. the heater module subassembly contains one or more heaters mounted in a central position of a first surface of a heater module subassembly base, said one or more heaters being insertable in said central empty space of the getter module subassembly case via the holed getter subassembly base (11; 21; 31; 41); said closed cable module (57; 67) is mounted on a second surface of the heater module subassembly base, opposite to the first surface , and said electrical connectors (58; 68, 68') are located on its surface opposite with respect to the one in contact with the heater module subassembly , and in that at least two floating threaded rods project from said second surface of the heater subassembly base, and in that said coupling elements (602, 602', 602") do not project beyond the closed cable module , whereas said floating threaded rods project beyond the closed cable module by a sufficient amount to provide a firm screwing connection to an external support while allowing the electrical connectors (58; 68, 68') to connect with matching plug-and-socket electrical connections present on said external support. <EOS>