Patent ID: 6789767
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
An active satellite dispenser for deploying at least one satellite in orbit, the active dispenser being attachable to a launch vehicle and disposed within a cylindrical payload module attached to the launch vehicle, the active dispenser comprising:an elongate center mast having a lower end and an upper end, and a longitudinally extending surface between the upper and lower ends the mast defining an interior volume, the mast further having a plurality of exterior connectors on the longitudinal surface adapted to engage the at least one satellite and thereby position the at least one satellite adjacent to the longitudinally extending surface; a rocket engine disposed at the lower end of the mast; at least one pressurized tank disposed in the interior volume of the mast; at least one propellant tank disposed adjacent the center mast, the propellant tank being selectively, fluidly connected to the pressurized tank such that the propellant tank can be pressurized, the propellant tank further being fluidly connected to the rocket engine; and an avionics pallet having an orbital control system, and that can selectively fluidly connect the pressurized tank to the propellant tank.