Patent ID: 6276639
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
A system for launching and deploying satellites, comprising:a central structure including a central tube;a plurality of satellites that each respectively include a respective cylindrical segment shell, and that are arranged in a bundled arrangement around and braced against said central tube and respectively braced against one another such that said respective cylindrical segment shells of said satellites together form an at least substantially complete and continuous cylinder shell; andat least one connector that releasably holds said satellites together in said bundled arrangement around and braced against said central tube and respectively braced against one another;wherein said central tube is not strong enough to bear and does not bear all loads of supporting said satellites during a launch of said satellites, wherein said satellites directly bear and transmit a majority of said loads through at least said cylindrical segment shells of said satellites that together form said cylinder shell, and wherein said central tube is strong enough to support said satellites during a deployment phase after said launch.