Cantilever, bi-level platform satellite dispenser

A satellite dispenser apparatus for supporting a plurality of independently deployable satellites in a dual platform arrangement to permit jettisoning of a full fairing of a space vehicle which encloses said dispenser apparatus at the appropriate time during ascent of said space vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

• a first, generally horizontally disposed platform assembly for supporting a first subplurality of said satellites thereon;
• a post extending generally coaxially with, and outwardly from, said first platform assembly;
• said first plurality of satellites being adapted to be supported on said first platform assembly at positions exteriorly of said post;
• a second, generally horizontally disposed platform assembly spaced elevationally apart from said first platform assembly and supported on said post adjacent an end of said post, said second platform assembly operating to support a second subplurality of said spacecraft thereon at a position above said fist platform assembly;
• and
• each of said first and second platform assemblies including a plurality of openings formed therein to provide access to separation assemblies used in securing said subpluralities of said spacecraft thereto.

A method for supporting a plurality of independently deployable satellites on a launch vehicle in a manner that requires no support structure associated with a fairing of the launch vehicle, to thereby permit jettisoning of the fairing at the appropriate time during ascent of the launch vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

• using a first, generally horizontally disposed platform to support a first subplurality of said satellites thereon along bottom portions thereof;
• using a post secured to said first platform to support a second platform elevationally apart from said first platform;
• using said second platform to support a second subplurality of said satellites thereon along bottom portions thereof and exteriorly of said post;
• and
• forming a plurality of openings in each of said platforms for enabling access to separation assemblies used in securing said subpluralities of said satellites thereto.

A space vehicle dispenser apparatus for supporting a plurality of independently deployable spacecraft in a dual platform configuration to permit jettisoning of a full fairing of a space vehicle during ascent of the space vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

• a first platform for supporting a first subplurality of spacecraft thereon;
• a post extending generally orthogonally from said first platform;
• and
• a second platform spaced elevationally apart from said first platform and supported by said post, said second platform operating to support a second subplurality of said spacecraft thereon;
• and
• wherein each of said first and second platforms include at least one opening formed to provide access to an associated separation assembly used in securing said subpluralities of said spacecraft to said platforms.