Stacked Spacecraft Deployment via Magnetic Torque Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Launching multiple spacecraft with one launch vehicle is challenging due to potential contact and damage between satellites, which increases mass and cost, and existing deployment methods add to the payload mass, affecting fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Deploying spacecraft using z-axis magnetic torque rods that align and reverse polarity to hold and separate the satellites, reducing contact and mass, while using a tie-down and release mechanism to manage the deployment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spacecraft are made more impact resistant to minimize damage from contact, then reliability is improved, but mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using magnetic fields to prevent contact between spacecraft before damage can occur. Magnets mounted on the spacecraft surfaces create repulsive forces that keep a separation distance between adjacent spacecraft, eliminating the need for impact-resistant structures and reducing spacecraft mass while maintaining reliability
2Ease of operation
If equipment is added to deploy spacecraft from the launch vehicle, then deployment capability is improved, but payload mass increases and fuel cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling spacecraft to deploy themselves using their own magnetic fields without requiring external deployment equipment. The spacecraft use their mounted magnets to repel each other and separate from the launch vehicle and from each other, eliminating the need for additional deployment mechanisms and reducing payload mass
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical deployment systems with magnetic field-based deployment. Instead of using mechanical arms, springs, or explosive bolts to separate spacecraft, the system uses magnetic repulsion forces to achieve deployment, eliminating complex mechanical equipment and reducing payload mass
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 method effectively deploys multiple spacecraft while minimizing contact and reducing the overall mass of the payload, thereby lowering fuel costs and enhancing launch efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each spacecraft has at least one magnetic torque rod aligned in a z-axis (or yaw-axis)... When the spacecraft are stacked corresponding z-axis magnetic torque rods of the spacecraft will align with each other along the z-axis
Implementation Method 2
the north magnetic pole of the magnetic torque rod in one spacecraft may face the south magnetic pole of the magnetic torque rod in an adjacent spacecraft to hold the stack of spacecraft together
Implementation Method 3
reversing the magnetic polarity of the one or more z-axis magnetic torque rods in the top spacecraft to repel the top spacecraft from the stack
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is disclosed herein for deploying stacked spacecraft. When the spacecraft are stacked corresponding z-axis magnetic torque rods of the spacecraft will align with each other along a z-axis. Thus, collectively the stack of spacecraft have one or more sets of magnetic torque rods aligned with the z-axis. Just prior to deploying the spacecraft the one or more sets of magnetic torque rods are operated to hold the stack of spacecraft together. For example, the north magnetic pole of the magnetic torque rod in one spacecraft may face the south magnetic pole of the magnetic torque rod in an adjacent spacecraft. To deploy the top spacecraft, the polarity of the z-axis magnetic torque rod(s) in the top spacecraft is/are reversed. After the spacecraft is clear of the stack the magnetic torque rod(s) in the deployed spacecraft may be de-activated. Then another spacecraft may be deployed in a similar manner.