Annular Spacecraft Support Structure for Higher Cargo Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft service modules become obsolete due to increased launch vehicle capacity, as they are typically designed for specific cargo modules and must withstand launch loads, leading to unnecessary robustness and obsolescence when capacity changes occur.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of annular support structures that bypass the service module, allowing launch loads to be directed around it, enabling the use of existing service modules with higher capacity cargo modules and supplemental modules arranged radially, thereby reducing the service module's load-bearing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service modules are designed to withstand launch loads for specific cargo modules, then they can support the cargo module during launch, but they become obsolete and require redesign when launch vehicle capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the service module and the annular support structure. The service module handles only its own weight and operational functions, while the annular support structure handles the cargo module's weight and launch loads. This segmentation allows the service module to remain compatible across different cargo capacities while the annular structure is configured for specific launch vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular support structure acts as an intermediary between the launch vehicle and the service module/cargo module assembly. It transfers launch loads from the cargo module around the service module to the launch vehicle, eliminating the need for the service module to be structurally adapted to different launch vehicle capacities.
2Strength
If service modules are designed with robust load-bearing capacity for increased cargo weight, then they can support heavier cargo modules, but their weight and complexity increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented from the service module to the annular support structure. The service module is relieved of the burden of supporting heavy cargo modules during launch, allowing it to be optimized for its operational functions with minimal structural weight. The annular support structure assumes the heavy load-bearing role.
3Ease of manufacture
If service modules are specifically designed for particular launch vehicles, then they can be optimized for those vehicles, but they cannot be used with different launch vehicles or cargo configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The service module is designed with universal compatibility across different launch vehicles and cargo configurations. By removing the load-bearing requirement, the same service module design can be used with various cargo module sizes and different launch vehicles, as long as the appropriate annular support structure is provided for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A representative spacecraft system includes a launch vehicle elongated along a launch vehicle axis and having at least one stage carrying a corresponding rocket engine. The representative system further includes an annular support structure carried by the at least one stage and positioned to support a cargo spacecraft having a service module and a cargo module. The cargo module of the cargo spacecraft is positioned along the launch vehicle axis in a direction distal from the support structure, and at least a portion of the service module of the cargo spacecraft positioned within an annulus of the support structure.