The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 21, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 09, 1999
Ernst Hornung, Stuhr, DE;
Huba Ory, Aachen, DE;
Andreas Rittweger, Achim, DE;
Markus Quadt, Niederkassel, DE;
Peter Borgwardt, Bremen, DE;
Joerg Bolz, Bremen, DE;
DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG, , DE;
Abstract
An apparatus for launching and dispensing multiple satellites into orbit includes a central structure and a plurality of satellites releasably bundled around the central structure to form a cohesive, single payload mounted on an upper stage of a launcher rocket. The central structure includes a central tube and an adapter shell that fits onto the upper stage of the rocket. Each satellite has the shape of a partial cylinder segment of which an outer wall is a cylindrical segment shell. The satellites are bundled and secured together around the central structure by tension bands, whereby the cylindrical segment shells form a load-bearing complete outer cylindrical shell that surrounds the central tube. This structure provides sufficient stiffness and strength to withstand the loads that arise during launch, while having a reduced mass. The satellites themselves, rather than the central structure, bear the loads during launch. This allows the central structure to be of relatively lightweight construction.