Nested Satellite Dispenser System for Launch Vehicle Volume Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite deployment systems are unable to efficiently launch and deploy a high number of small satellites of various sizes and masses from a single launch vehicle, as they are limited by the volume of the fairing and lack flexibility in accommodating different satellite sizes and masses.
Innovation Solution
A satellite deployment system comprising an outer dispenser with internal housing volume to accommodate nested inner dispensers, allowing for the efficient deployment of multiple satellites by using a telescopic mechanism to extract and deploy inner dispensers and satellites, maximizing the use of the launch vehicle's fairing volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single dispenser structure is used to hold satellites, then the structure is simple, but the number of satellites that can be deployed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing inner dispensers inside the hollow internal housing volume of the outer dispenser. The outer dispenser contains at least one inner dispenser, which in turn may contain additional inner dispensers. This nested arrangement allows multiple dispensers to occupy the same spatial envelope, dramatically increasing the total number of satellites that can be deployed from a single launch vehicle while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dispenser structures are used, then the design is simple, but the system cannot accommodate satellites of various sizes and masses efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite deployment system into multiple independent dispenser units (outer dispenser and inner dispensers), each capable of holding and deploying satellites. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where different inner dispensers can be positioned within the outer dispenser to accommodate satellites of varying sizes and masses, enabling the system to adapt to diverse mission requirements without requiring a completely redesigned deployment structure.
3Productivity
If multiple separate launch vehicles are used to deploy high numbers of satellites, then each launch can be simple, but the overall cost and deployment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dispenser functions into a single integrated deployment system. By nesting inner dispensers within the outer dispenser, the system combines the capacity of multiple separate launch vehicles into one, enabling the deployment of large numbers of satellites in a single launch mission. This merging approach dramatically increases productivity while reducing the total time required for deployment compared to conducting multiple separate launches.
4Quantity of substance
If the fairing volume is maximized for satellite storage, then more satellites can be launched, but the deployment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the hollow internal housing volume of the outer dispenser as a container for inner dispensers, effectively nesting multiple deployment functions within the available fairing volume. This nesting approach maximizes the use of launch vehicle volume to accommodate the maximum number of satellites while keeping the deployment mechanism organized and manageable through hierarchical arrangement, rather than creating a complex single-level deployment system.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a satellite deployment system (30) for launch vehicles. Said satellite deployment system (30) comprises an outer dispenser (31) that is fitted, externally, with first releasable attachment means for releasably attaching first satellites (81) to said outer dispenser (31) and, internally, with an internal housing volume (310). Moreover, the satellite deployment system (30) further comprises at least an inner dispenser (32,33) that is externally fitted with second releasable attachment means for releasably attaching second satellites (82,83) to said inner dispenser (32,33), and that is accommodated in the internal housing volume (310) of the outer dispenser (31).