Satellite Release Safety Subsystem for Orbital Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for launching small satellites and nanosatellites, such as CubeSats, into Earth orbit are economically unfeasible due to their small size, often requiring dedicated launchers that are costly, and lack a guaranteed safe release mechanism, leading to potential satellite failure if the Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (POD) malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an orbital transport spacecraft equipped with a safety subsystem that includes a command and control unit, actuator members, and a power source, which generates a POD activation sequence to ensure safe release of satellites even in case of POD failure or spacecraft breakdown, using a timer to determine if a release signal has been missed and activating actuator members to open a release door and exert a separation thrust on the satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small satellites are launched as secondary payloads using PODs, then launch costs are reduced, but release reliability deteriorates due to lack of guaranteed safe release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The safety subsystem is activated before the main release operation to monitor the POD release mechanism. A timer starts counting from the moment the release signal is sent, and if the satellites are not released within the expected time frame, the safety subsystem automatically activates the release mechanism as a backup action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the safety subsystem continuously monitors whether satellites have been successfully released after the release signal is sent. Based on this feedback (or lack thereof within a predetermined time), the system automatically triggers the backup release mechanism to ensure satellite deployment.
2Device complexity
If a simple timer-based release system is used in PODs, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to no backup mechanism for release failure
Solution Approach 1:
The safety subsystem is pre-configured with a timer that automatically starts when the release signal is sent. The timer is set with a predetermined time limit, and if this time elapses without successful satellite release, the safety subsystem automatically activates the release mechanism without requiring additional complex control systems.
3Productivity
If satellites are released in unison immediately after main satellite release, then launch efficiency is improved, but control precision deteriorates due to lack of independent release timing
Solution Approach 1:
The safety subsystem is pre-programmed with a predetermined time limit for satellite release. This time limit is set based on the expected operational parameters of the POD release mechanism, allowing the system to wait for normal release completion before activating the backup mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the release process in real-time and activates the backup mechanism only if the satellites have not been released within the predetermined time frame. This feedback-based approach maintains efficient batch release while providing precise control over the release timing and conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the safe and reliable release of satellites into orbit, even if the primary release mechanism fails, by activating a redundant safety subsystem that autonomously manages the release process, thereby preventing satellite loss and ensuring successful deployment.
Implementation Method 1
exerting a separation thrust on the satellite to be released
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the safe release of artificial satellite in Earth orbit comprising providing an orbital transport spacecraft (1) able to move at orbital height and comprising a plurality of PODs (11) for releasing satellites (12) transported by the orbital transport spacecraft (1), housing said orbital transport spacecraft (1) in a space launcher (100) configured to reach an orbital height; generating a release signal and transmitting it to the orbital transport spacecraft (1) to release the orbital transport spacecraft (1) from the space launcher (100), in case of failure to release the orbital transport spacecraft (1) or in case of breakdown of the orbital transport spacecraft (1) after releasing from the space launcher (100), activating a safety subsystem (21) of the orbital transport spacecraft (1) to generate a POD (11) activation sequence to release the satellites (12).