Satellite deployer door release mechanism

US10940960B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rocket Lab USA, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Peter Beck · Christchurch, NZ
• Peter Barlow · Napier, NZ
• David Yoon · La Cañada Flintridge, US
• Ben Malcolm · Auckland, NZ

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 31, 2018
• Grant date: Mar 9, 2021
• Expiry date: Feb 25, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

A satellite dispenser door release mechanism is disclosed. In various embodiments, a satellite door dispenser as disclosed herein includes a wire or cable having a first end configured to be secured in a structure comprising or coupled to a dispenser body of a satellite dispenser and a second end configured to be secured in a structure comprising or coupled to a dispenser door of the satellite dispenser; and a pyrotechnic cutter configured to receive the wire or cable in a position to cut the wire or cable upon firing of the pyrotechnic cutter.