Session
Technical Session VII: Launch Vehicles
Abstract
This paper presents a survey of packaging methods applied to multiple satellites launched on a single launch vehicle. The launch vehicle is a significant expense in most satellite programs and can equal or exceed the payload costs. Efficiency is achieved by fully utilizing launch vehicle payload capacity and by using larger, lower cost per mass to orbit boosters. A single launcher placing several satellites on orbit saves time and money. The economies of scale gained by launching several payloads from a single launch vehicle creates a need for innovative packaging and separation methods which are reliable, adaptable, and lightweight. A group of small satellites can be packaged on a single launcher in many ways. Packaging methods are influenced by the structure of the satellites (and vice versa), reliability, the number of satellites to be launched, space debris p, and development & manufacturing costs. Several different packaging structures are presented including a variety of stacking methods and hold down structures. The merits and faults of these packaging methods have been compiled using Defense Systems' past satellite design and manufacturing experience as a guide.
Packaging Multiple Small Satellites on a Single Launch Vehicle
This paper presents a survey of packaging methods applied to multiple satellites launched on a single launch vehicle. The launch vehicle is a significant expense in most satellite programs and can equal or exceed the payload costs. Efficiency is achieved by fully utilizing launch vehicle payload capacity and by using larger, lower cost per mass to orbit boosters. A single launcher placing several satellites on orbit saves time and money. The economies of scale gained by launching several payloads from a single launch vehicle creates a need for innovative packaging and separation methods which are reliable, adaptable, and lightweight. A group of small satellites can be packaged on a single launcher in many ways. Packaging methods are influenced by the structure of the satellites (and vice versa), reliability, the number of satellites to be launched, space debris p, and development & manufacturing costs. Several different packaging structures are presented including a variety of stacking methods and hold down structures. The merits and faults of these packaging methods have been compiled using Defense Systems' past satellite design and manufacturing experience as a guide.
