SEPARATION SYSTEM FOR STACKED HIGH ASPECT RATIO SATCOM SATELLITES ( ON REQUEST) (ARTES AT 4E.099) - EXPRO+

Objective: The objective of the activity is to develop and verify an Open Standard of a separation system specifically for stackedhigh aspect ratio satellites (up to 1,200 kg class spacecraft).Targeted Improvements:Enabling technology for launches of stackedhigh aspect ratio satellites.Description: High aspect ratio satellites are an established form factor for satcom satellites, already operating and providing global telecommunication services. To maximise launch capacity, it is common to launch large stacks of multiple (10s) of such satellites together. The required separation technologies have to date been bespoke developments by and for eachspecific constellation. In Europe, there is currently no such system available, nor an off the shelf existing solution.This activity aims to develop an open standard for a European hold down and release system to enable stacked launches of up to 60 high aspectratio (up to 1200kg class) satellites. This will ensure that development of such systems is coordinated across Europe and allow different providers to be mixed within single launches and across multiplelaunches and constellations. A separation system by necessity includes: a mechanical load path for the stack, the hold down mechanism, a pre-loading device to ensure that the stack is effectivelyheld down through launch conditions. a release mechanism and a sequencing system to control the ejection of each spacecraft fromthestack. The engineeringmodel separation system concept will be developed, and a breadboard will be manufactured and tested in asufficiently representative scenario to validate critical functions of the system in the different stacking configurations. Then, an engineering model will be manufactured and tested, including a series of deployment tests in different conditions to assessthe overalldesign performance. The final stage of the activity will propose an open standard for separation system for stacked high aspect ratio satcom satellites to promote compatibility of spacecraft design.