Motorola Corporation

John R McBride

Javier Leija

Mark Melvin Kanne

David H Cubbage

James E Hamant

W George C Irwin

A shipping container ( ) for transporting and handling a satellite ( ) is disclosed. The shipping container ( ) includes a support structure ( ) for securing the satellite during transport, a base ( ) hingedly connected to the support structure ( ), and a cover ( ) to protect the satellite ( ) during transport, coupled to the support structure ( ). The shipping container ( ) also includes a upending actuator ( ), a ballast arm ( ), and a handling sling ( ) to facilitate removal of the satellite ( ) from the shipping container ( ).

Satellite vehicle shipping container

A self-contained fueling module (10) provides the exact amount of hydrazine necessary to fuel a satellite (50) prior to launch. The fueling module (10) includes a propellant tank (14), a vacuum tank (12) and a pressurant tank (16). The propellant tank, filled with hydrazine, is shipped to the launch site where it is installed in the fueling module. Prior to launch, the fueling module is connected to the satellite and the hydrazine is driven with Helium pressurant into the satellite fuel tank. The Helium also pressurizes the satellite fuel tank to flight pressure. Any remaining fuel is evacuated from the connections (45) and fuel transfer lines (42) with the vacuum tank. Personnel do not have to wear self-contained atmospheric pressurized environment (SCAPE) suits because there is no risk of hydrazine exposure.

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Phoenix, AZ, United States of America

John R McBride