초록 ▼

A spacecraft comprised of a plurality of functionally organized, fully independent modules. Selected ones of the modules are moveable foldably in a "clamshell"-like manner between assembled positions, wherein various components of the spacecraft are generally not readily accessible, to a service pos

A spacecraft comprised of a plurality of functionally organized, fully independent modules. Selected ones of the modules are moveable foldably in a "clamshell"-like manner between assembled positions, wherein various components of the spacecraft are generally not readily accessible, to a service position in which virtually all of the components of the spacecraft are substantially readily accessible for service or testing. Logically organized and routed harnesses comprised of numerous electrical and mechanical elements enable the clamshell-like folding movement of selected modules. Conventional electrical and mechanical connectors associated with the harnesses permit quick detachment and complete removal of selected modules from the spacecraft. The fully modular design significantly reduces the time required to gain access to the components on each of the modules and eliminates time consuming and extensive disassembly procedures that would ordinarily be required when performing service or test procedures on the spacecraft. The fully modular configuration also permits parallel manufacturing and testing of the independent modules, thus significantly reducing the design-to-market cycle time for the spacecraft. The modular design also facilitates replacement of selected modules with modified modules to produce derivative spacecraft or to tailor the performance of the spacecraft to better meet the needs of a particular mission.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A spacecraft comprising:a plurality of functionally and physically substantially independent modules so connected to provide spacecraft functionality and ease of modification for the spacecraft's intended mission and ease of manufacturing, said plurality of substantiall

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A spacecraft comprising:a plurality of functionally and physically substantially independent modules so connected to provide spacecraft functionality and ease of modification for the spacecraft's intended mission and ease of manufacturing, said plurality of substantially independent modules comprising at least:a payload module;a bus electronics module operably associated with said payload module;an electrical power module for providing power to said electronics module and said payload module; andwherein at least said payload module is moveable between an assembled position, wherein access to components thereon is restricted, and a service position wherein access to said components is generally unrestricted, without requiring complete detachment of said payload module from said spacecraft during assembly and testing of said spacecraft;wherein at least one of said payload module or said bus electronics module is moveable between an assembled position and a service position.