RU217239U1 - Adapter for group launch of CubeSat satellites - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to rocket and space technology, namely to devices (adapters) for launching a group of satellites of the CubeSat standard by one launch vehicle. The proposed adapter consists of external and internal output units. The outer launch unit is made in the form of a sectional octagonal structure, each section of which consists of a truss with mating surfaces attached to it, connected to each other. The internal launch unit consists of a pneumatic lift with a throttle valve, an internal docking surface mounted on the lift to accommodate and launch satellites from inside the adapter, and an external docking surface attached to the top cover of the adapter. The sectional design makes it possible to increase the number of launched CubeSat satellites by placing transport and launch containers around the adapter perimeter, above and inside it. The presence of holes on the docking surfaces allows to reduce the weight of the structure. The number of sections depends on the availability of free space under the fairing of the launch vehicle.

Description

The utility model relates to rocket and space technology, namely to devices for launching a group of satellites of the CubeSat standard by one launch vehicle.

It is known from the prior art that for the group launch of satellites, devices are used with support in the form of a column or rack, from connected to each other, as a rule, the same sections, made with the possibility of attaching launched satellites: US 8915472 B2, RU 2725824 C1, RU 2624959 C1. Launched satellites can be placed either in the internal volume of the device sections, or on external docking surfaces, since in the latter case the usable volume is filled to the maximum. However, this statement, given in separate sources, may be controversial, since the useful volume can be filled to the maximum when satellites are placed both inside the support volume and on the outer docking planes.

The invention RU 2156212 C2 is the closest analogue of our utility model and is a device for placing several satellites on a launch vehicle. A device of this type finds application preferably in those space programs that involve the launching into orbit of several identical satellites. The device contains: a vertical support, which can be fixed on the upper part of this launch vehicle and has at least two identical seats, each of which can be installed satellite to be placed into orbit; identical docking elements, each of these bodies containing special attachment and release means, with the help of which one of the satellites installed on this launch vehicle can be mounted on this docking body and separated from it at a given moment.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention under consideration, the support is located along the longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle and has a polygonal cross section that defines at least three main connecting surfaces, each of which contains at least one seat for the satellite.

In the proposed device, the usable volume is not fully used.

The technical problem that the proposed utility model solves is aimed at designing a device in the form of an adapter for the group launch of satellites of the CubeSat standard. At the same time, the design of the device should allow for maximum filling of both its external and internal useful volume with transport and launch containers with satellites.

The proposed device is located along the longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle and is a sectional octagonal structure. The design of the section is a truss, on which the docking surfaces are mounted, made in the form of rectangular plates. On them, in turn, transport and launch containers are placed. The top cover of the adapter is attached to the top of the end section, and the outer docking surface with the transport-launch containers is placed on it. The entire sectional octagonal structure is attached to a transitional device made in the form of a truss. Inside the adapter there is a platform for attaching the pneumatic lift and telescopic guides, which exclude the possibility of the lift tilting during its lifting. At the bottom of this platform is a gas tank and a throttle for extending the inner docking surface. The internal docking surface, in turn, is already placed on a platform attached to a pneumatic lift. The entire assembled structure is attached with the help of heels to the upper stage or launch vehicle.

The difference from the closest analogue is as follows:

1. The presence of a pneumatic lift with an internal docking surface and telescopic guides makes it possible to place transport and launch containers inside the structure.

2. The presence of an external docking surface attached to the top cover allows you to place transport and launch containers on top of the adapter.

The stated technical problem is solved due to the fact that the internal docking platform, fixed on a pneumatic lift, allows you to place transport and launch containers with satellites inside the adapter, as a result of which the number of launched CubeSat satellites increases. Also, the presence of eight external docking surfaces and an external docking surface attached to the top cover of the adapter makes it possible to place transport and launch containers both on the outside of the structure and on top of the adapter itself.

The device is shown in the following drawings:

fig. 1 - View of the adapter.

fig. 2 - General view of the adapter.

fig. 3 - Adapter without transport-launch containers in the section.

The CubeSat array launch adapter is a sectional octagonal structure. The design of the section is a truss 13, on which the docking surfaces 5 are mounted with holes to reduce the weight of the structure. Between themselves, the docking surfaces 5 are fastened with the help of fasteners 7. The top cover 3 is attached to the top of the end section with the outer docking surface 1 placed with screws 2 on it. Inside the adapter there is a platform 15 for attaching the pneumatic lift 12 and telescopic rails 14. A gas tank 8 and a throttle 16 are placed at the bottom of the platform 15. On the pneumatic lift 12 itself, there is a platform 11, on which the internal docking surface 4 is mounted. The assembled adapter is attached to the adapter 9, which is made in the form of a farm. And with the help of heels 10 it is placed on the upper stage or launch vehicle. Transport and launch containers 6 are attached to the docking surfaces 1, 4 and 5.

The utility model is used as follows. The adapter for the group launch of CubeSat satellites is fixed on the upper stage or launch vehicle with the help of pins 10. When launching into orbit, the transport-launch containers on the outer docking surfaces 5, as well as on the outer docking surface 1 attached to the top cover of the adapter 3, are launched synchronously from two opposite sides in order to dampen the emerging impulse and avoid shifting the satellite launch trajectory. To launch the satellites inside the adapter, on command, the throttle valve 16 opens. The gas from the tank 8 is transferred to the pneumatic lift 12, as a result of which it raises the internal docking surface 4 with additional transport and launch containers placed on it, and the presence of telescopic guides 14 makes it possible to avoid tilting during lift. At the same time, by opening/closing the throttle valve, it is possible to regulate the gas supply to the pneumatic lift 12, thereby regulating the lifting speed of the inner docking surface 4.

The technical result of using the invention lies in the fact that the adapter for the group launch of CubeSat satellites allows you to launch an increased number of them. The design of the adapter is sectional, can be increased, the number of sections depends on the availability of free space under the fairing of the launch vehicle. Also, the design of the adapter assumes the presence of a pneumatic lift and an internal docking surface, which allows you to place transport and launch containers inside it, as well as adjust the speed of their removal. The presence of holes on the docking surfaces and the top cover reduces the weight of the structure.

List of sources used:

1. Patent No. RU 2725824 C1.

2. Patent No. US 8915472 B2.

3. Patent No. RU 2624959 C1.

4. Patent No. RU 2724000 C1.

5. Patent No. RU 2156212 C2.

Claims (1)

An adapter for the group launch of CubeSat satellites, consisting of an external launch unit made in the form of a sectional octagonal structure, each section of which consists of a truss with docking surfaces attached to it, interconnected, as well as an internal launch unit, consisting of a pneumatic lift with a throttle-flap mounted on the lift of the inner docking surface for placing and launching satellites from inside the adapter and an outer docking surface attached to the top cover of the adapter.

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