A new system and apparatus for detachably joining a first component to a second component is disclosed, along with a method for detachably joining two components. Embodiments of the present invention include a tensioning apparatus and system for clamping joints. The tensioning apparatus may include a wedge block and a fastening device. The clamping joint may be a tongue and groove joint that is tightened using the tensioning apparatus.

A multi-use resupply system for a space-based platform may include a multi-use tug to swap old and new cargo containers on a launch vehicle upper stage. The system can rely on the launch vehicle upper stage to provide the function of cargo de-orbit and disposal. The launch vehicle upper stage may be provided with sufficient propellant and propulsion functionality to operate for a long enough period in space to maneuver a new cargo container to a rendezvous trajectory, support the swapping of cargo containers, and then perform a de-orbit burn with the old cargo container.

A configurable spacecraft attachment and deployment system and a method of constructing a configurable spacecraft attachment and deployment system are provided herein. In one embodiment, the configurable spacecraft attachment and deployment system includes: (1) a connecting structure configured to secure at least one spacecraft to a launch interface, (2) an actuating assembly configured to constrain the spacecraft to the connecting structure before deployment thereof and release the spacecraft from the connecting structure when deployed, and (3) a deploying mechanism coupled to the connecting structure and configured to eject the spacecraft from the attaching structure, wherein the connecting structure, the actuating assembly, and the deploying mechanism are modular components and the connecting structure and deploying mechanism are selected to form the system based on parameters of the spacecraft.

A new system and apparatus for detachably joining a first component to a second component is disclosed, along with a method for detachably joining two components. Embodiments of the present invention include a tensioning apparatus and system for clamping joints. The tensioning apparatus may include a wedge block and a fastening device. The clamping joint may be a tongue and groove joint that is tightened using the tensioning apparatus.

A satellite support structure to support at least one device of the satellite. The support structure includes structural elements with at least one of the structural elements being a damping connector linking at least two other structural elements of the support structure. The damping connector includes an elastomer element and at least one flat angle bracket having at least two wings to be linked by the respective connectors to the damped structural elements. The elastomer element is made from elastomer material with loss angle greater than ten degrees and is arranged such that the transmission of forces between one of the wings of the flat angle bracket and the connectors is achieved entirely via the elastomer element.

To provide a system capable of eliminating a complicated function or a high-precision control necessary when a service satellite approaches an outer space non-cooperative object or the like for providing an on-orbit service or removing debris. A cooperative objectification system 1, which cooperatively objectifies an outer space non-cooperative object C existing in an outer space, comprises: a spacecraft S configured to move in the outer space; and a cooperative interface M attached to a surface of the outer space non-cooperative object C by the spacecraft S.

An ejection unit for a satellite comprises a housing which is closed by a door and in which a guide for the satellite is provided. The guide comprises angled rails and a clamping apparatus to fixedly clamp the satellite by means of a clamping mechanism.

A payload-bus kinematic interface system includes one or more kinematic devices. Each kinematic device includes a first contacting surface and a second contacting surface. The first contacting surface kinematically interfaces with the second contacting surface, passing loads or forces to the second contacting surface.

The present invention relates to a ring-synchronized separation adapter for separating a payload in a space environment, and more specifically, to a ring-synchronized separation adapter for separating a payload in space environment, in which the ring-synchronized separation adapter has a configuration in which a plurality of segmented clamp portions are simultaneously fastened or unfastened by rotating a drive member making contact with all of the plurality of segmented clamp portions, so that accuracy in separation of the payload is improved, explosion is not utilized, and stability of the ring-synchronized separation adapter is improved as a whole.

This disclosure relates generally to a payload separation system utilizing a circular arch connective mechanism for connecting and releasing a payload from a launch vehicle. The apparatus of the invention is particularly useful for spacecraft and other vehicular separation mechanisms.