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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 cent

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for launching and deploying satellites, comprising:a central structure including a central tube;a plurality of satellites that each respectively include a respective cylindrical segment shell, and that are arranged in a bundled arrangement around and braced aga

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for launching and deploying satellites, comprising:a central structure including a central tube;a plurality of satellites that each respectively include a respective cylindrical segment shell, and that are arranged in a bundled arrangement around and braced against said central tube and respectively braced against one another such that said respective cylindrical segment shells of said satellites together form an at least substantially complete and continuous cylinder shell; andat least one connector that releasably holds said satellites together in said bundled arrangement around and braced against said central tube and respectively braced against one another;wherein said central tube is not strong enough to bear and does not bear all loads of supporting said satellites during a launch of said satellites, wherein said satellites directly bear and transmit a majority of said loads through at least said cylindrical segment shells of said satellites that together form said cylinder shell, and wherein said central tube is strong enough to support said satellites during a deployment phase after said launch.