Session
Session 9: Space Access
Abstract
CubeSats are growing in size, capability, and complexity. Along with these increases comes decreased acceptance of risk. Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems’ 12U Dispenser incorporates significant upgrades to our flight-proven designs that mitigate the two key concerns for the developer designing a rail-type CubeSat. First, the dynamic environments experienced by rideshare payloads can be extreme. The Tyvak 12U dispenser incorporates a first-of-its-kind internal isolation system that reduces the CubeSat environment by 70-90% compared to the external launch vehicle environment. The CubeSat developer can therefore maximize the design for the space mission rather than to survive excessive launch loads. Secondly, developers have faced the challenge of modeling the dynamic response of their satellite due to the “floating” nonlinear boundary condition between it and the dispenser. The Tyvak 12U Dispenser solves this problem by incorporating movable rails that cradle the payload on all four corners. This mechanized rail interface provides an analyzable boundary condition and allows the developer to accurately predict isolated loads transmitted to the spacecraft. The design also provides a straightforward approach to structural design, analysis, manufacturing, test, and integration. The developer can then produce a satellite that is neither over-built nor over-tested.
Internally Isolated 12U Rail CubeSat Dispenser with Analyzable Boundary Conditions
CubeSats are growing in size, capability, and complexity. Along with these increases comes decreased acceptance of risk. Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems’ 12U Dispenser incorporates significant upgrades to our flight-proven designs that mitigate the two key concerns for the developer designing a rail-type CubeSat. First, the dynamic environments experienced by rideshare payloads can be extreme. The Tyvak 12U dispenser incorporates a first-of-its-kind internal isolation system that reduces the CubeSat environment by 70-90% compared to the external launch vehicle environment. The CubeSat developer can therefore maximize the design for the space mission rather than to survive excessive launch loads. Secondly, developers have faced the challenge of modeling the dynamic response of their satellite due to the “floating” nonlinear boundary condition between it and the dispenser. The Tyvak 12U Dispenser solves this problem by incorporating movable rails that cradle the payload on all four corners. This mechanized rail interface provides an analyzable boundary condition and allows the developer to accurately predict isolated loads transmitted to the spacecraft. The design also provides a straightforward approach to structural design, analysis, manufacturing, test, and integration. The developer can then produce a satellite that is neither over-built nor over-tested.
