Spacecraft adapter having embedded resources, and methods of forming same

• US 7,434,767 B2
• Filed: 02/28/2005
• Issued: 10/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Smith, Robert A, Wright, Kim S, Bowman, Gregory P, Hanback, Leigh A
• Primary Examiner(s): Collins; Timothy D
• Application Number:
  US11/068,343
• Publication Number:
  US 20060192057A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,324 Days
• Field of Search: 244/173.3, 244/173.1
• US Class Current: 244/173.1
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/002 Launch systems
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/105 Space science
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/223 Modular spacecraft systems
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/428 Power distribution and management
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/641 Interstage or payload connectors docking systems B64G1/646
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/643 for arranging multiple satellites in a single launcher

Abstract

A spacecraft adapter having embedded resources for supporting a non-primary payload on a launch vehicle. The spacecraft adapter includes a battery, a power distribution and control system, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the non-primary payload. Other modules/subsystems such as data storage, sensor and data interface and communications may be included to suit the needs of a particular non-primary payload and/or particular mission of the non-primary payload. The adaptor does not require any interfacing with the bus of the primary payload and can be scaled/modified as needed to provide only that degree of functionality needed for a given non-primary payload being carried by the launch vehicle.

Claims

1. A modular, embedded resources adaptor for use on a launch platform, independent of a spacecraft bus carried by the launch platform, comprising;

a housing fixedly secured to the launch platform, the housing be configured to enable physical coupling to a non-primary payload, so as to support the non-primary payload therefrom;

a power source housed within the housing;

a power distribution and control subsystem in communication with said power sources, and being housed within the housing; and

at least one interface module contained within said housing for interfacing with the non-primary payload supported on the launch vehicle; and

wherein said power source, said power distribution and control sub-system and said interface module operate completely independently from said spacecraft bus.

2. The adaptor of claim 1, further comprising at least one of the group including:

a data storage subsystem;

a communication subsystem; and

a data interface.

3. The adaptor of claim 1, further comprising a sensor interface for interfacing directly with a sensor carried by said non-primary payload.

4. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein said power source comprises at least one of a fuel cell, battery or battery pack.

5. A modular, embedded resources adaptor for use on a space craft launch platform, independent of a spacecraft bus carried by the launch platform, comprising:

a housing fixedly secured to said launch platform;

a power source disposed within said housing;

a power distribution and control subsystem disposed within said housing and in communication with said power source;

a data storage module disposed within said housing; and

an interface module in communication with said power distribution and control and housed within said for interfacing with a non-primary payload being carried by said launch vehicle; and

wherein said power source, said power distribution and control sub-system and said interface module operate completely independently from said spacecraft bus.

6. The adaptor of claim 5, further comprising a communication subsystem disposed within said housing and interfaced with said data storage module.

7. The adaptor of claim 5, further comprising a sensor and data interface housed within said housing and interfaced with said power distribution and control subsystem.

8. The adaptor of claim 7, wherein the sensor and data interface is interfaced with the data storage subsystem.

9. The adaptor of claim 5, further comprising a communications device for coupling said interface module with said non-primary payload.

10. The adaptor of claim 5, wherein said housing includes a plurality of holes for enabling a non-primary payload to be fixedly secured by a plurality of fastening elements to an outer surface of the housing.

11. A modular spacecraft adaptor for use on a spacecraft launch vehicle independent of a spacecraft bus of the launch vehicle, the adaptor comprising:

a housing adapted to be fixedly secured to the launch vehicle;

a power source disposed in said housing;

a power and control distribution subsystem housed within said housing and in communication with said power source;

an interface module disposed adjacent said housing for interfacing with said power distribution and control subsystem, and also with a non-primary payload;

a communications module housed adjacent said housing; and

wherein said power source, said power distribution and control sub-system and said interface module operate completely independently from said spacecraft bus.

12. The adaptor of claim 11, further comprising a data storage module disposed adjacent said housing.

13. The adaptor of claim 11, further comprising a sensor and data interface supported adjacent said housing for interfacing with an external sensor carried by said launch vehicle.

14. The adaptor of claim 11, further comprising a communications device for electrically coupling said interface module with said non-primary payload.

15. The adaptor of claim 11, wherein said housing includes a support panel having an opening to allow interfacing of said non-primary payload with components housed within said adaptor.

16. The adaptor of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of holes formed in said support panel for enabling attachment of said non-primary payload to said support panel.