Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Equidistant Satellite Launcher

Unlike Geostationary satellites, LEO satellites cannot cover a certain region continuously. Depending on the altitude, they are over the same location for a limited time only. In order to increase the availability, more satellites should deployed on the same orbit. I would like to propose a method to deploy equidistant satellites in the same orbit with a single launch. A modification on the payload bay of the rocket would be enough.

A two staged rocket would be launched as usual. The first stage will work as usual as well. Then, the second stage will reach the orbital altitude and speed. Once the orbital speed is attained, the rocket will rotate 180 degrees to reverse its nose against the direction of motion. Afterwards, a special explosive will detach the cover of a section of the payload bay. The momentum of the released cover will increase the speed of the rocket slightly. Then, the first satellite will be released. After the satellite is released and there is a safe distance between the rocket and the satellite, the second payload cover would be detached by an explosive. Again, the speed of the rocket will increase slightly. With the increased speed, the next satellite's deployment location will be reached. Then, the satellite will be released. This loop will continue till the last satellite is deployed. Finally, the remaining parts of the rocket will be directed to a safe crash site on earth.

Normally, such satellite deployment would be done using more fuel consumption. I propose the rocket’s payload covers to be detached in sequence to gain the necessary momentum to move the rocket to the next deployment location. The location of the explosives should be specially designed not to damage the payload. The explosion should only generate gas and forward momentum to the payload cover. The payload cover should be freed from its connection points before explosion. Its like a gas airsoft gun. Instead of a plastic bullet, the payload cover is fired.

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