Precision pointing interface
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorsSpencer Backus, Gregory S. Agnes, Russell G. Smith, Eric T. Sunada, Blair J. Emanuel, Rudranarayan M. Mukherjee, Samantha H. Glassner, Timothy P. Setterfield
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Pointing interfaces that can be used to assemble/disassemble instruments/payloads from a spacecraft/host are disclosed. The disclosed interfaces provide structural, communications, power, and fluid connections (for thermal control). Such interfaces also provide active and passive vibration isolation capability for precision pointing. They can further act as an interface to the launch vehicle for secondary delivery of the instrument/payload to the spacecraft.
Claims16
A pointing interface comprising:
- a first plate being connectable to a host;
- a second plate and an instrument plate, the instrument plate being connectable to an instrument;
- and
- a plurality of vibration isolation systems connecting the second plate to the instrument plate,
- wherein:
- each vibration system of the plurality of vibration isolation systems comprises a series configuration of a spring-damper system configured to reduce high frequency disturbances from the host and an actuator configured to reduce low frequency disturbances from the host.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.