SPACE HEAD MODULE FOR ISOLATED AND CLUSTER LAUNCH OF SATELLITES Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC B64G1/22 B64G1/16 

FIELD: rocketry and space engineering; structures of launch vehicles.

SUBSTANCE: proposed head module has aerodynamic fairing and the following components arranged under it: upper stage, circular adapter for placing the satellites around upper stage, adapter for placing isolated satellite above upper stage and interstage compartment for coupling with last stage of launch vehicle. Circular adapter is located in upper part of upper stage around its instrument section. Circular part of this adapter has mounting holes for placing the satellites around upper stage. Circular adapter has mounting holes in area of instrument section of upper stage for receiving the adapter of isolated satellite located above upper stage. Upper stage is suspended inside interstage compartment by means of units secured in instrument section of upper stage and on interstage compartment at point below joint of interstage compartment with circular adapter. Dampening elements are mounted in joints of interstage compartment and circular adapter frames and in joints of interstage compartment and upper stage.

EFFECT: reduction of mass by 25-30%; increased zone for placing the satellites under head aerodynamic fairing; reduction of vibration, mechanical and impact loads on satellites and on control system instruments.

7 dwg