Patent ID: 6588707
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B64G,F16F

Abstract:
A device for suspending a payload in a launch vehicle for launching said payload into space, the device comprising elastic force-absorbing elements including a plurality of spring thrust bearings installed between first and second rigid annular members concentric with a longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle and respectively fastened to said payload and said launch vehicle, and control means for controlling said elastic force-absorbing elements suitable for adapting the stiffness of the suspension device to various phases of the flight of the launch vehicle, said control means including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced hydraulic thrust bearings between said first and second rigid annular members, said hydraulic thrust bearings being mobile between a first position in which they couple said annular members rigidly and a second position in which said elastic force-absorbing elements are activated, said plurality of springs thrust bearings and said plurality of hydraulic thrust bearings being interleaved with each other.