Side-by-side multiple launch configuration
AssigneeSpace Systems/Loral, Inc.
InventorPeter Y. Chu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A launch vehicle payload that includes at least two spacecraft is disclosed. The launch vehicle includes a single payload adapter. Each spacecraft has a launch vehicle adapter structure providing a respectively coplanar structural interface directly with the single launch vehicle payload adapter. The spacecraft share a launch vehicle payload fairing volume substantially side-by-side and are detachably coupled together such that a positive clearance is provided between adjacent, non-abutting structural body surfaces of each spacecraft.
Claims20
A payload for a launch vehicle, the payload including at least two spacecraft, wherein:
- the launch vehicle includes a payload adapter;
- each spacecraft has a launch vehicle adapter structure providing a respectively coplanar structural interface directly with the payload adapter;
- and
- the spacecraft share a launch vehicle payload fairing volume substantially side-by-side and are detachably coupled together, in a launch configuration, such that a positive clearance is provided between adjacent, non-abutting body surfaces of each spacecraft.
An apparatus for launch by a launch vehicle, the apparatus comprising a first spacecraft, wherein:
- the launch vehicle includes a payload adapter;
- each spacecraft has a launch vehicle adapter structure providing a respectively coplanar structural interface directly with the payload adapter;
- and
- the first spacecraft is configured to share, substantially side-by-side with the second spacecraft, a launch vehicle payload fairing volume, and is detachably coupled with the second spacecraft such that a positive clearance is provided between adjacent, non-abutting body surfaces of the first spacecraft and the second spacecraft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.