PAYLOAD SKIN Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC B64G1/22 B64G1/64 B64G1/14 

FIELD: space engineering; protection of payload during its transportation by launch vehicle.

SUBSTANCE: proposed skin is made in form of two longitudinal segments consisting of fore spherical parts (7,8), middle taper parts (9, 10) and cylindrical parts (11,12). Taper and cylindrical parts of skin are multi-layer in construction with cellular core and envelope fitted on it. Skin is provided with horizontal separation system (14) and vertical separation system (15) of said longitudinal segments synchronously activated by pyrotechnic system. Vertical separation system has linear units with detachable lock over boundary sections. Each unit includes linear piston and cylinder holding the segments together by means of stop. When stop activated by pyrotechnic system gets slackened, segments are disconnected and are separated from remaining part of launch vehicle. Horizontal separation system is provided with tension belt; separation of parts of this belt is also activated by pyrotechnic system which is provided with collector through which detonating primers are ignited, thus activating separating unit of horizontal separation system and slackening the stop of vertical separation system. Vertical separation system is sealed-up without admitting combustion products and metal particles. Skin may be provided with electrostatic protection in form of conducting layer of paint applied to electrically insulated parts of skin.

EFFECT: enhanced reliability and safety of payload and launch vehicle at separation and dropping of segments.

7 cl, 12 dwg