A satellite dispenser and method of using same are disclosed. In various embodiments, a satellite dispenser as disclosed herein includes a dispenser body defining an interior cavity to accommodate a payload; and a plurality of externally adjustable restraints positioned within the interior cavity and configured to be extended further into the interior cavity by actuation of a manual interface external to the interior cavity.

The invention relates to a flywheel device for position stabilization of a spacecraft, comprising a carrier (1), a rotor (2), a magnetic drive (4) for the rotatingly driving the rotor (2) relative to the carrier (1), and a roller bearing (3) arranged between the rotor (2) and the carrier (1). A magnetic force can be generated between the rotor (2) and the carrier (1) by means of the magnetic drive (4) in order to pre-stress the rolling bearing (3). The outer diameter (A) of the rotor (2) can have, for example, only a maximum of 2.5 times of the rolling bearing diameter (W).

A flexible pivot includes a first stage including a first cylinder and interface structure and a second stage including a second cylinder and interface structure in axial alignment with those of the first stage. Flexible connecting members are arranged for connecting the first and the second stages. Each flexible connecting member includes a pair of legs and a cross member joining the legs, each leg extending in a direction transverse to the axis of the cylinders, the legs being attached to the first and the second cylinders respectively. The first cylinder and the first interface structure are concentric. Flexible spokes are attached to the first cylinder by one end and to the first interface structure by the other. Each spoke extends in a direction transverse to the axis of the cylinders. Finally, the second stage includes flexible connection unit arranged to connect the second cylinder to the second interface structure.

The invention relates to a flywheel device for position stabilization of a spacecraft, comprising a carrier (1), a rotor (2), a magnetic drive (4) for the rotatingly driving the rotor (2) relative to the carrier (1), and a roller bearing (3) arranged between the rotor (2) and the carrier (1). A magnetic force can be generated between the rotor (2) and the carrier (1) by means of the magnetic drive (4) in order to pre-stress the rolling bearing (3). The outer diameter (A) of the rotor (2) can have, for example, only a maximum of 2.5 times of the rolling bearing diameter (W).

A flexural pivot is disclosed. The flexural pivot can include a plurality of flexure support members, each flexure support member having a plurality of flexure openings defined at least partially by a cantilevered extension portion. The flexural pivot can also include at least one flexure to rotatably couple the plurality of flexure support members to one another. The at least one flexure can have first and second flexible blades arranged in a cross configuration. The first and second flexible blades can be disposed in the flexure openings of the flexure support members, and the cantilevered extension portions, at least in part, can couple the first and second flexible blades to the flexure support members.

A flexural pivot is disclosed. The flexural pivot can include a plurality of flexure support members, each flexure support member having a plurality of flexure openings and a plurality of wells each in fluid communication with a respective flexure opening. The flexural pivot can also include at least one flexure to rotatably couple the plurality of flexure support members to one another. The at least one flexure can have first and second flexible blades arranged in a cross configuration. The first and second flexible blades can be disposed in the flexure openings of the flexure support members, and coupling material deposited in the flexure openings can couple the first and second flexible blades to the flexure support members.

A method for producing a cage having a body with multiple pockets for rolling elements, the method providing: a) defining a cage basis geometry that provides a radial outer and/or inner surface for contacting a bearing ring and multiple surfaces of the pockets for contacting the rolling elements; b) defining a part of the radial outer and/or inner surfaces as being unalterable surfaces; c) calculating the cage stress distribution when applying a defined stress force from a mathematical model; d) defining cage volume sections where the stress is below a defined threshold; e) removing a part of the volume sections defined according to step d) taking into account the unalterable surfaces according to step b) and the surfaces of the pockets that are unalterable surfaces; f) defining the cage geometry with the removed volume sections; g) manufacturing the cage according to the geometry as defined according to step f).

A spaceborne antenna for a satellite may include antenna sections for the satellite, and at least one rolling flex hinge rotatably coupling first and second antenna sections together and permitting rotation between a stored position and a deployed position. The first and second antenna sections may be stacked in the stored position and extended in end-to-end relation in the deployed position. The at least one rolling flex hinge may include a first hinge body coupled to an end of the first antenna section, a second hinge body coupled to an end of the second antenna section, and a flexible strap arrangement coupling the first hinge body and second hinge body together to permit rolling contact therebetween. At least one locking linkage may be coupled between the first and second hinge bodies to lock the first and second hinge bodies when the first and second antenna sections are in the deployed position.

Single or multi-axis positioning mechanisms are provided that include a caging mechanism that may be actuated without requiring axial displacement of rotational components of the positioning mechanisms. In some multi-axis positioning mechanism implementations, each rotational axis may have an associated caging mechanism that is transitioned between a caged and uncaged state using a common release device. In some implementations, the release device may be a single-use device. In other implementations, the release device may be capable of re-caging the positioning mechanism after uncaging the positioning mechanism.

A cage includes: an annular body having pocket holes for receiving balls; and a resin portion formed through injection molding of a resin containing a solid lubricant with the body being set as an insert component. The resin portion includes: first parts formed along inner peripheral surfaces of the pocket holes of the body to form pocket surfaces to be held in sliding contact respectively with the balls; and a second part formed along an outer peripheral surface (or inner peripheral surface) of the body to form a guide surface to be held in sliding contact with an outer ring (or inner ring). The first parts and the second part are formed integrally with each other. Weld lines of the resin portion are formed at positions of avoiding exposure of the weld lines at both end portions of the pocket surfaces in a cage circumferential direction.