DEVICE FOR EXTENSION OF SPACECRAFT PAYLOAD Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC B64G1/22 B64G1/64 

FIELD: rocketry and space engineering; transformable structures deployed in orbit.

SUBSTANCE: proposed device includes several parallel guide rails mounted on the spacecraft; one rail is main one; provision is also made for drive for extension of payload which is provided with flexible drive member mounted near main rail. Located on payload are bands of carriages with rollers for engagement of carriages with respective rails. Device is also provided with additional band of carriages with rollers; additional band is located on rear shear of payload relative to motion of its extension. Each carriage of additional band is secured to respective extensible spring-loaded rod. Rods are secured to payload and are extended in direction opposite to extension of payload from spacecraft. Each rod is provided with stop for locking it in folded position.

EFFECT: reduction of initial length of spacecraft due to avoidance of extension of guide rails; reduced longitudinal sizes and mass of launch vehicle fairing.

10 dwg