Solar Panel Stowage in Launch Vehicle Adapter Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current launch vehicles face challenges in providing sufficient power to secondary and tertiary payloads due to limited space for solar panels, which are essential for regenerative power, as traditional solar panels are too large and cannot be externally mounted on payload fairings or interstage adapters due to harsh launch environments.
Innovation Solution
Stowing solar panels in unused spaces within launch vehicle adapter assemblies, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and deploying them axially to form a large solar array that can rotate to track the sun, with axial and lateral support structures to maintain alignment and stability during launch and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panels are mounted externally in a standard wing fashion, then power generation capability is improved, but available mounting space is limited and volume is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are nested within the adapter assembly structure, specifically utilizing the space between the payload adapter and the fairing internal envelope. The panels are positioned in a retracted state within the adapter during launch, then deployed outward after launch to provide power generation capability without occupying excessive launch volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are deployed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle, extending in a direction perpendicular to the main axis. This dimensional change allows the panels to achieve large surface area for power generation while maintaining a compact profile along the launch vehicle's length during ascent.
2Power
If solar panels are mounted externally to payload fairing or interstage adapters, then power generation is improved, but exposure to harsh launch environment causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are pre-positioned within the protected interior of the payload fairing during launch, shielded from the harsh external environment. After launch, once the vehicle is in a safe orbit or trajectory, the panels are deployed to their operational position where they can generate power without exposure to launch conditions such as vibration, acoustic noise, and atmospheric drag.
3Volume of moving object
If solar panels are stowed within adapter assemblies, then space utilization is improved, but power generation capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels transition from a static retracted position during launch to a dynamic deployed position in orbit. The panels are designed to extend outward from the adapter assembly after launch, transforming the limited internal adapter space into a larger operational surface area that provides sufficient power generation capacity for secondary and tertiary payloads.
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
This solution maximizes power generation by utilizing the available space within the adapter assemblies, providing sufficient power to secondary and tertiary payloads while minimizing interference and ensuring the solar panels remain aligned and functional during deployment and operation.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels can be made as large as the cross-sectional dimension of the adapter assembly to maximize power generation
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly for interconnection with a launch vehicle is provided. Generally, the adapter assembly is positioned between two separable components of a launch vehicle along a longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle to structurally interconnect the components. In an embodiment, a solar panel having a stowed state and a deployed state is interconnected to the adapter assembly. In a stowed state, the solar panel can be positioned within the interior space of the adapter assembly to utilize space within the launch vehicle that would otherwise not be fully utilized.