Satellite dispensing system
AssigneeBlue Origin Manufacturing, LLC
InventorsEric Eckstein, Brian Allen Cyb
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Stacked satellite dispensing systems are described herein. The disclosed systems can release individual satellites or small batches of satellites from a satellite stack in a controlled manner. Dispensing individual satellites at different locations in space can more evenly dispense satellites or to dispense satellites at distinct locations. A deployment system, including a motor, a cable, and spacers, can allow for the individual satellites to be deployed from the satellite stack. The disclosed satellite dispensing systems also include spacers that are positioned between two or more satellites to help attenuate the force of the mass of satellites stacked above.
Claims20
A satellite dispensing system comprising:
- a plurality of channels extending from a base to an output end through which satellites are dispensed, the channels being configured to contain a stack of satellites;
- spacers respectively positioned between adjacent satellites in the stack;
- an extending platform disposed at the base and configured, when actuated, to move the satellites and the spacers toward the output end of the channels;
- a motor coupled to the extending platform and configured to actuate the extending platform;
- and
- a controller configured to activate the motor to dispense at least one satellite from the output end.
A method of dispensing satellites comprising:
- positioning a plurality of satellites within channels extending from a base to an output end, with spacers positioned between adjacent satellites;
- actuating an extending platform disposed proximate to the base to move the satellites toward the output end;
- and
- controlling a motor coupled to the extending platform with a controller to dispense at least one satellite from the output end.
A satellite dispensing control system comprising:
- a controller configured to communicate with a motor that actuates an extending platform disposed at a base of a satellite dispenser having channels configured to contain a stack of satellites, wherein the controller is configured to
- receive data indicative of satellites dispensed from the channels from one or more sensors positioned along the channels,
- deactivate the motor after a predetermined number of satellites have been dispensed based on the data, and
- adjust operation of the motor based on at least one of motor speed, a prior satellite dispensing time, or a number of satellites remaining to be dispensed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.