Launch Isolation System for Reusable Launch Vehicle Containerized Payload Systems

This proposal describes the development of an all-passive vibration isolation system designed to reduce the dynamic loads on the payloads of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs). The effort proposed is organized from the outset around an RLV's bottom line design drivers: low weight, low cost operability, reliability, and performance robustness with respect to mission changes. CSA, in conjunction with its industry partner, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace and Honeywell Satellite Systems, will investigate the feasibility of an isolation system designed around the highly complex dynamic loading environments of the coupled payload/launch vehicle superstructure. The process of using coupled dynamic models to size an isolation system ensures that the fully coupled system does not introduce deleterious side effects. Two distinct damping technologies, magnetic damping and fluid damping, will be investigated for integrability into the proposed system. The damping concepts proposed will leverage existing damping designs already developed by CSA and its team members. The ultimate goal is to equip the reusable launch vehicle community with a rugged, reliable and cost effective means of attenuating dynamic loads.| Benefits: Reducing payload vibration during launch of reusable launch vehicles will have two important effects. It will reduce the chance of failure during launch, re-entry and landing, and it will allow the payloads to be smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Either can lead to substantial risk reduction and substantial dollar savings.|