Universal spacecraft separation node

An apparatus for use in selectively connecting one or more deployable payloads and a dispenser, each said deployable payload including a payload surface and said dispenser including a dispenser surface wherein, prior to deployment of said payload, said payload surface and dispenser surface are disposed in opposing relationship, said payload being deployable from an undeployed state wherein said payload surface and dispenser surface are disposed proximate to one another and a deployed state wherein said payload surface and dispenser surface are separated, said apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of node assemblies for cooperatively connecting a single, first payload to said dispenser and for cooperatively allowing deployment of said single, first payload from said dispenser, wherein said node assembly further comprise:
• a first section, for interconnection to said dispenser, including a fist contact surface;
• and
• a second section, for interconnection to said payload, including a second contact surface;
• said first and second contact surfaces being disposed in an abutting relationship when said payload is in said undeployed state so as to define an abutting interface and an associated separation plane;
• and
• a lateral load bearing element with a first element integrally defined on said first contact surface and a second mating element integrally defined on said second contact surface, wherein said first element is one of a projection and a recess and said second element is one of a mating recess and a mating projection, for bearing loads having a component aligned with said separation plane so as to reduce the likelihood of unintended shearing separation prior to planned deployment.

An apparatus for use in selectively connecting one or more deployable payloads and a dispenser, each said deployable payload including a payload surface and said dispenser including a dispenser surface wherein, prior to deployment of said payload, said payload surface and dispenser surface are disposed in opposing relationship, said payload being deployable from an undeployed state wherein said payload surface and dispenser surface are disposed proximate to one another and a deployed state wherein said payload surface and dispenser surface are separated, said apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of node assemblies for cooperatively connecting a single, first payload to said dispenser and for cooperatively allowing deployment of said single, first payload from said dispenser, wherein each node assembly further comprises:
• a first section, for interconnection to said dispenser, including a first contact surface;
• and
• a second section for interconnection to said payload, including a second contact surface;
• said first and second contact surfaces of each said node assembly being disposed in an abutting relationship when said payload is in said undeployed state so as to define an abutting interface and an associated separation plane;
• and
• a pyrotechnic separation bolt assembly for selectively interconnecting said first half and second sections of said node assembly, said pyrotechnic separation bolt assembly including a first portion interconnected to said first section and a second portion interconnected to said second section, said first and second portions being remotely separable so as to effect deployment of said deployable assembly.

An apparatus for use in selectively connecting one or more deployable payloads and a dispenser, each said deployable payload including a payload surface and said dispenser including a dispenser surface wherein, prior to deployment of said payload, said payload surface and dispenser surface are disposed in opposing relationship, said payload being deployable from an undeployed state wherein said payload surface and dispenser surface are disposed proximate to one another and a deployed state wherein said payload surface and dispenser surface are separated, said apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of node assemblies for cooperatively connecting a single, first payload to said dispenser and for cooperatively allowing deployment of said single, first payload from said dispenser, wherein each node assembly further comprises:
• a first section, for interconnection to said dispenser, including a first contact surface;
• and
• a second section for interconnection to said payload, including a second contact surface;
• said first and second contact surfaces of each said node assembly being disposed in an abutting relationship when said payload is in said undeployed state so as to define an abutting interface and an associated separation plane;
• and
• at least one biasing means, connected to at least one of said payload and said dispenser, for urging said first and second contact surfaces apart so as to facilitate deployment of said payload.