Team Voyager

Launch 150+ small satellites using

different creative stacking
configurations and launching
techniques.
 Introduction
• In this presentation we will be presenting a
rudimentary plan outline for launching
satellites which stacked using different
configurations in the low earth orbit.
 What is satellite stacking?
In order to increase the number of satellites
that can be flown with reduced costs,
Multiple Payload Adapters which utilized
different satellite stacking configuration are
needed to utilize the excess payload
capacity on launch systems.
 What are the advantages of Multiple
Payload Adapters?

• Many satellites are able to be launched in an

ideal launch window.
• Increases the amount of experiments
conducted in space, this additional research
has many tangible benefits.
 Disadvantages
• Mass of the additional structure.
• Additional orbit maneuvers are required to
deploy the satellites.
• The added complexity of the separation.
• The additional test and integration of the
entire payload.
We are going
to be dealing
with the
payload and
launch
adapter
components of
the rocket or
space shuttle.
 Simple Stacks
• Simple stacks are one satellite on another with
interconnecting separation mechanism between
satellites. Separation of the individual satellites from
the stack begins with the separation of the top
satellite. Each satellite in turn is separated. Each
satellite carries its own separation mechanism. An
electrical connection between adjoining satellite's
separation sequencing electronics sends the ignition
signal to each satellite. Battery charging also justify
the electrical connections between satellites in stack.
 Simple stacking using V band
• V-Bands provide the connection mechanism and the
structure between two adjoining satellites. It is a ring-
shaped tension clamp. The separation band system
used in the aerospace industry consists of three main
parts: an upper ring, a launch vehicle adapter including
lower ring, and a clamp band. The upper attachment
ring is installed on the bottom of the spacecraft adapter
permanently and serves as the upper surface of
interface plane. On the top of the launch payload
adapter, the lower ring is installed and serves as the
lower surface of interface plane.
Basic satellite
stacking
structure
Basic structure of V bands
V band structure used in the aerospace applications

Upper surface of
interface plane

Interface plane

Lower surface of
interface plane
Assembling the stacks together using Tree
holddown
• Tree holddowns offer a way to package large
numbers of satellite at the cost of sequence step
separation. A single cable or rod running
between the stacks connected to the preload
distribution beam, distributes a compressive
force to hold the satellites in place. The preload
distribution been can take any shape. Separation
of satellites from launch vehicle can be achieved
by proper injection springs and sizing and slight
angle of the stacks away from each other.
Satellites
stacks
held
together
using tree
holddowns
Overhead view of the
stacked satellites
Final arrangement of
satellites
 Overhead view of each
compartment (using tree
5 payload
holddown structures) 6 stacks in
compartments
each compartment
5 satellites stacked
using Vbands.
5 Satellites in each
stack.
Hence a total of 150
satellites are
deployed
 Overall timeline
• Separation from upper stage of launch
vehicle.
• System initiated sequence timing begins.
• Payload deployment stage.
THANK
YOU