SoftRide Separation System for Spacecraft

Shock is a major problem for spacecraft, and is the largest dynamic load on spacecraft during launch on large launch vehicles. Shock to spacecraft during launch comes from two sources, the launch vehicle (fairing separation being one of the largest shocksources) and the spacecraft separation event. A whole-spacecraft shock isolation system will prevent shock produced by the launch vehicle from reaching the spacecraft, and a low-shock release device in the separation system will reduce the shock due tothe separation event. The overall technical objective of this SBIR is to demonstrate in tested hardware that spacecraft separation systems can be built that both successfully separate the spacecraft from the launch vehicle and protect the spacecraft fromall shock events during launch. The resulting system will be lighter weight, less complex, and less costly than a non-integrated approach. The new device, referred to as the SoftRide Separation System for Spacecraft (SRS3), will be designed fordistributed mounted spacecraft utilizing a band-clamp class of interface. Three devices including two 15-inch and one 38-inch will be developed, shock tested, and delivered. The end result in Phase II will be proven technology than can be scaled toaccommodate any payload on any launch vehicle.