HOLDER WITH TWO PROJECTIONS FOR SPACECRAFT (VERSIONS) AND METHOD OF SUPPORTING SPACECRAFT PAIR ON LAUNCH VEHICLE Russian patent published in 2006 - IPC B64G1/64 B64G1/22 

FIELD: devices and methods for securing several spacecraft on transport facility, on launch vehicle in particular during joint injection.

SUBSTANCE: proposed holder has body with lower taper supports and two upper supports which are located near each other and are used for supporting spacecraft. Lower part of body may be connected with launch vehicle. Holder is additionally provided with at least one taper body of adapter connected to one of upper parts for extension of it and connection with docking ring of standard diameter. According to first version, two upper taper supports are made integral with lower part of holder. Holder is made from structural material containing graphite and epoxy resin by means of known technological processes. Proposed method includes forming of holder as two upper taper supports in form of projections-extensions of lower part of holder body. Upper supports are located near each other for securing two spacecraft which are also located near each other.

EFFECT: reduction of total mass of holder as compared with tandem holders; reduction of orbital fragments formed at separation of spacecraft from launch vehicle.

14 cl, 15 dwg