Spacecraft Stack Assembly Passive Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for launching multiple spacecraft are either bulky and heavy due to dedicated dispenser systems or complex to install and control, necessitating a simplified method for securing and releasing spacecraft into independent flight.
Innovation Solution
A system where a stack of spacecraft is secured to a rocket using releasable separation fittings and hold-down/deploy assemblies, allowing the stack to passively separate into orbit upon release of compressive loads, eliminating the need for a dedicated dispensing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated dispenser system is used to separately support and individually dispense each spacecraft, then each spacecraft can be securely launched and deployed, but the system becomes bulky and heavy, reducing usable payload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spacecraft are stacked together in a compact configuration, merging their support structures and eliminating the need for separate dispenser systems for each spacecraft. The stack is secured as a single unit to the launch vehicle, significantly reducing overall system weight while maintaining deployment capability through collective release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-down and deploy assembly serves multiple functions: it secures the entire stack to the launch vehicle, maintains the stacked configuration during launch, and enables deployment of all spacecraft simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated dispenser systems for each spacecraft.
2Productivity
If releasable fasteners and biasing devices are used to secure spacecraft in layers and facilitate separation, then spacecraft can be deployed layer by layer, but the system becomes complicated to install and control
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hold-down and deploy assemblies are combined into a single integrated unit that secures the entire stack simultaneously. This unified approach eliminates the need for separate fasteners and biasing devices for each layer, significantly reducing installation and control complexity while maintaining efficient deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-down and deploy assembly is designed to automatically secure and release the spacecraft stack without requiring complex external control systems. The assembly uses spring-loaded or elastomeric mechanisms that self-actuate based on launch vehicle acceleration and deployment commands, eliminating the need for complicated installation and control procedures.
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 approach reduces the complexity and weight of launch systems while enabling efficient and passive deployment of multiple spacecraft into orbit, enhancing payload capacity and simplifying the launch process.
Implementation Method 1
a first hold down and deploy assembly extending along a length of the stack that is moveable between a hold down configuration, wherein a compressive load is applied along the first column, and a deploy configuration, wherein the compressive load is released from the first column
Implementation Method 2
each spacecraft having first and second separation fittings configured to releasably mate with first and second separation fittings of a spacecraft in an adjacent layer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing spacecraft to a rocket and deploying the spacecraft into orbit includes a stack having a plurality of spacecraft arranged in layers, with each spacecraft being releasably mated with at least one spacecraft in an adjacent layer, and at least one hold down and deploy assembly configured to, in a first configuration, secure the layers of the stack together and secure the entire stack to the rocket, and, in a second configuration, release the entire stack from the rocket into orbit such that the layers passively separate.