Spacecraft platforms
AssigneeMatra Marconi Space UK Limited
InventorsDavid M. Simpson, Joseph Daniel McCaughey, Charles David Hall
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spacecraft platform essentially having two or more panels hinged at the base and contained for launch in a fairing. The panels are hinged and latched in an open deployment and bear, for example, a SAR antenna or an interferometer. The rear faces of the panels are provided with stiffening ribs, webs and struts and carry elements of the payload module and service module which are normally separate structures on a conventional satellite.
Claims17
A spacecraft platform for connection to a launch vehicle, comprising at least two panels which are capable of being folded into an upright configuration when stowed for launch, and which provide structural support for payload components, the panels being coupled together and being arranged to deploy by unfolding about an axis at right angles to the launch axis and at one extremity of the spacecraft platform, at least one panel having attachment means for releasably securing to co-operating means associated with the launch vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.