Spencer C Ku

US Patent:

60534540, Apr 25, 2000

Filed:

Sep 4, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/148581

Inventors:

John V. Smolik - Granada Hills CA
Spencer C. Ku - Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Andrew I. Mactavish - Hermosa Beach CA
Mark A. Spiwak - Redondo Beach CA

Assignee:

Hughes Electronics Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

B64G 110

US Classification:

244158R

Abstract:

A modular payload support for placement in an enclosure defined by the sidewalls of a launch vehicle includes a central hub, a plurality of trusses, and a plurality of modular outer panels. Each of the trusses includes an inner edge secured to the hub and extends radially outward from the hub. Each of the trusses further includes an outer edge, and a modular outer panel is secured to each of the truss outer edges. Each modular outer panel is adapted for attachment to the vehicle sidewall, with each modular outer panel being sized to span the available distance between the truss outer edge and the vehicle sidewall. Each of the trusses is constructed of a number of layers or plies, so that the trusses may be tailored to meet strength and stiffness requirements of a contemplated application.