Canisterized satellite dispenser

摘要

A canisterized satellite dispenser includes one or more of: a pair of guide rails that eliminate the requirement of a rectangular profile for the satellite; a preload system that secures the canisterized satellite during transport and launch, and releases to deploy the canisterized satellite; a constant-force spring to provide a uniform and predictable dispensing force; an external rectangular profile in each dimension; and internal support surfaces that simplify the design of canisterized satellites, particularly those with deployable components. Each canisterized satellite includes a pair of opposing flanges on a lower portion of the satellite that ride in a channel formed by the dispenser's guide rails and restraining flanges; no other support constraints are imposed. During travel and launch, the satellite flanges are held against the restraining flanges, rigidly fixing the satellite to the dispenser until the satellite is deployed.

主权项

1. A dispenser for deploying one or more payloads from a delivery spacecraft, comprising:
an enclosure for containing the one or more payloads that is configured to be secured to the delivery spacecraft, wherein the enclosure includes:
a door through which the one or more payloads are deployed;a spring that is coupled to an ejection element that urges the one or more payloads out the door to deploy the one or more payloads;a pair of guide rails;a pair of restraining flanges proximate to the guide rails; anda preload system that is configured to apply a clamping force on corresponding flanges of a pair of flanges situated on each of the one or more payloads, to adhere the flanges of each payload to the restraining flanges of the dispenser, and to release the clamping force to enable the ejection element to urge the one or more payloads out the door; wherein each guide rail and proximate restraining flange of the pairs form a lateral slot to accommodate and guide the corresponding flange on each of the one or more payloads as the payload is urged out the door.