Passive isolation devices providing low frequency damping of low mass payloads and spacecraft isolation systems employing the same

A low frequency isolation device, comprising:

• a three parameter isolator, comprising:
• a primary bellows circumferentially bounding a first hydraulic chamber;
• a secondary bellows circumferentially bounding a second hydraulic chamber;
• and
• an annulus fluidly coupling the primary bellows and the secondary bellows to allow damping fluid flow between the first and second variable chambers in conjunction with deflection of the primary and secondary bellows;
• and
• a break frequency-reducing series spring in series with the three parameter isolator and having predetermined axial and lateral stiffnesses, the predetermined axial stiffness of the break frequency-reducing series spring being less than the predetermined lateral stiffness thereof.

A spacecraft isolation system suitable for isolating a payload carried by a spacecraft, the spacecraft isolation system comprising:

• a plurality of low frequency vibration isolators, each comprising:
• a three parameter isolator;
• and
• a break frequency-reducing series spring mechanically coupled in series with the three parameter isolator and having a predetermined axial stiffness (KS AXIAL) and a predetermined lateral stiffness (KS LATERAL), the predetermined axial stiffness (KS AXIAL) of the break frequency-reducing series spring being less than the predetermined lateral stiffness (KS LATERAL) thereof;
• and
• a plurality of payload attachment pieces coupled to the plurality of low frequency isolation devices and configured to join the plurality of low frequency isolation devices to the payload in a multi-point mounting arrangement.