Patent ID: 6076467
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: B64G,F42B

Abstract:
A system for releasably attaching a satellite to a launcher comprising:an open metal band having free ends,said band having an inner surface with a channel formed therein,a plurality of separate clamping elements slidably supported in said channel in said band, said clamping elements being made of a material different from said metal band,a bolt connecting said free ends of said metal band to tighten said band and apply tension thereto,said clamping elements each including upper and lower jaws which widen in a direction inwardly of said band and form an open wedge shape,the satellite and launcher including respective structures which are in contact along a joint interface and are engaged between said jaws of said clamping elements so that as tension is applied to said band by said bolt, said jaws engaging said structures of said satellite and launcher apply clamping pressure thereon to secure said structures in said band,a pyrotechnic device to cut said bolt and release the tension in said band and the clamping pressures of the clamping elements on the satellite and launcher structure when the satellite is to be separated from the launcher, andmeans for retaining the band and the clamping elements on the launcher structure when the satellite separates from the launcher.