Configurable-Mass Rideshare Dispenser for Launch Vehicle Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The US space industry faces challenges with complex and risky rideshare missions due to the need for extensive coordination and analysis, high launch costs, and limited launch opportunities, which are exacerbated by the complexity of integrating multiple payloads onto a single launch vehicle without perturbing the primary payload or space vehicle mission requirements.
Innovation Solution
A configurable-mass rideshare dispenser with a modular chassis that can mount multiple rideshare payloads and additional mass objects, featuring signal processing circuitry for deployment sequencing, allowing for flexible mass and center of gravity adjustments to simplify the payload integration process and reduce the need for repeated coupled loads analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple rideshare payloads are integrated onto a single launch vehicle, then launch opportunities and resource utilization are improved, but mission integration complexity and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The payload assembly is segmented into independent payload containers, each with its own mounting interface and separation mechanism. This allows multiple payloads to be integrated independently onto the launch vehicle without requiring complex coordination between them, reducing mission integration complexity while enabling multiple launch opportunities
Solution Approach 2:
A universal payload container design is implemented that can accommodate different payload types and sizes using standardized interfaces. This multi-functional container system simplifies the integration process by providing a common mounting and separation mechanism for all payloads, reducing the complexity of integrating multiple different payload systems
2Ease of operation
If traditional rideshare integration methods are used, then payload deployment is achieved, but repeated coupled loads analysis increases cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The payload container is designed with pre-configured mounting interfaces and structural characteristics that are established before payload integration. This preliminary structural definition allows for a single coupled loads analysis to be performed on the container design itself, rather than requiring repeated analyses for each payload configuration, significantly reducing analysis time and cost
3Stability of the object's composition
If payloads are fixed to specific locations on the launch vehicle, then structural stability is maintained, but reconfiguration flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The payload container incorporates dynamic mounting and separation capabilities, allowing payloads to be securely mounted at defined locations during launch and then automatically separated after deployment. This dynamic system maintains structural stability during the launch phase while enabling flexible reconfiguration and payload replacement for subsequent missions
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a configurable-mass rideshare dispenser for a rideshare adapter employable with a LV. In one example, the configurable-mass rideshare dispenser includes: (1) a modular chassis having a plurality of walls, wherein each of the plurality of walls includes multiple internal mounts operable to mount at multiple candidate locations a rideshare payload, its associated attachment/deployment mechanisms, signal processing circuitry, and at least one additional mass object, and (2) at least one door coupled to at least one of the plurality of walls, wherein the signal processing circuitry is operable to provide deployment sequencing that operates the at least one door.