System and methods for integrating a payload with a launch vehicle
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJudith C. Blackwell-Thompson, John A. Graves, Anita E. Gale
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.
Claims20
A method for integrating a specific payload with a launch vehicle in preparation for a specific flight, the method comprising:
- making a plurality of standard payload services available via a plurality of standardized payload integration points of the launch vehicle;
- and
- configuring the specific payload to interface with the standardized integration points through an interface element, the interface element configurable to reallocate a standardized allocation of one or more of the standard payload services among various payloads to be included in the specific flight, to provide one or more mission-specific and payload-specific services to the specific payload, said configuring performed apart from the launch vehicle.
A method for integrating various payloads with a launch vehicle for a given flight, the method comprising:
- configuring an interface element to interface with the payloads and with a plurality of standardized integration points of the launch vehicle to allow the payloads to interface with a plurality of systems of the launch vehicle for distribution and management of launch vehicle services to each of the various payloads to meet individual mission-specific needs of each of the various payloads;
- configuring the payloads to interface with the interface element;
- and
- integrating the interface element with the launch vehicle without reconfiguring the launch vehicle.
A method for integrating a given payload with a launch vehicle in preparation for a given flight, the method comprising:
- standardizing a plurality of integration points of the launch vehicle so that the integration points remain unchanged relative to various payloads and payload configurations;
- providing an interface element that can be configured to allocate services available from one or more systems of the launch vehicle via the standardized integration points to meet individual payload-specific and mission-specific needs of various payloads and payload configurations to be included in the given flight, including but not limited to the given payload;
- and
- configuring the given payload to interface with the interface element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.