Modular Satellite Dispenser Rings for Launch Vehicle Payload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional satellite dispenser systems are expensive, time-consuming to manufacture, and heavy due to their monolithic design, which limits the volume and efficiency of satellite launches.
Innovation Solution
A modular satellite dispenser system composed of multiple concentric rings with vertical stanchions and truss structures, allowing for high-volume production, reduced weight, and efficient satellite retention and release mechanisms, maximizing payload capacity without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a monolithic satellite dispenser design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost and time increase significantly and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite dispenser is divided into multiple modular ring segments that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. Each ring segment contains standardized satellite retention mechanisms, allowing for parallel manufacturing processes that reduce overall production time and cost while maintaining the structural integrity of the complete dispenser assembly.
2Strength
If a monolithic satellite dispenser design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dispenser into modular rings, each component can be optimized for minimal weight while maintaining required structural strength. The segmented design allows removal of unnecessary material and enables use of lightweight materials specifically in non-critical areas of each module, reducing overall dispenser weight compared to a monolithic structure.
3Reliability
If traditional dispenser designs are used, then satellite retention is secure, but payload capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ring segments can be stacked vertically to create a tall, capacity-efficient dispenser structure that maximizes the number of satellites that can be accommodated within the launch vehicle's payload volume. Each ring maintains secure satellite retention mechanisms, so increasing quantity does not compromise retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular ring design allows rings to be nested or stacked in a space-efficient configuration, maximizing the use of available payload volume. This nesting arrangement enables higher satellite capacity without increasing the overall footprint, thereby increasing payload capacity while maintaining secure retention in each module.
4Productivity
If rapid manufacturing is implemented, then production time is reduced, but manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized modular ring segments with precision-machined interfaces allow for rapid assembly while maintaining high manufacturing precision. Each module can be manufactured and quality-checked independently using standardized procedures, ensuring consistent precision across all segments. The modular design enables parallel manufacturing of multiple segments, increasing overall productivity without sacrificing the precision required for proper assembly and satellite retention.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for satellite dispensing from a second stage of a launch vehicle are described. In an example, a satellite dispenser ring includes a circular ring, a vertical stanchion, and a truss. The vertical stanchion has an interface to couple with an adjacent satellite dispenser ring. The vertical ring is also coupled to a perimeter of the circular ring perpendicular to a place of the circular ring. A satellite attachment interface at an edge of the vertical stanchions couples and releases a satellite.