Innovative Techniques for Missile Defense - Low-Shock Separation System

The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense kill vehicle launched by the Ground-Based Interceptor is sensitive to mechanical shock. The kill vehicle is subjected to mechanical shock when the shroud separates from the interceptor and when the second stage separates from the third stage. Both separation events are initiated by pyrotechnic devices. To increase the probability of the kill vehicle withstanding these shocks, various shock isolation and attenuation systems have been proposed. An alternate approach to protecting the kill vehicle is to reduce the shock generated by the separation systems. The reduction of the magnitude of these source shocks warrants further investigation. Starsys Research Corporation proposes the development of a low-shock separation system with direct applicability to all potential launch vehicle and spacecraft staging events. The proposed system would provide a common, scaleable solution for both linear structural interfaces, such as Boeing's GMD fairing shroud longitudinal seam, and typical circular interfaces, such as those required for payload and primary launch vehicle staging events. The proposed innovation is a system comprising a) a low-shock release mechanism, and b) a series of mechanical "slave" elements providing a simple load path, and which provide separation of the structural interfaces upon actuation of the release mechanism. The release mechanism is capable of being used as a discrete point device, or when mechanically tied to the slave elements, provides a mechanical system adoptable to both linear and circular applications.