CRSS: a separation system for launching very heavy payloads

The new Clamp Ring Separation System (CRSS) has been designed to increase c onsiderably the load capability (mass and CG position of the payload to be launched), while maintaining a low release shock level and simplifying the installation at the same time. The concept of this unique design is based on an open aluminium ring whose stiffness allows the possibility to pass on a greater load. This single pie ce is forced to close on itself around the satellite and the adapter frames . The structural functionality of the system relies on the ring itself, whi le the contact characteristics, like clamp angle and friction, are supporte d by special pieces integrated inside the ring. By modifying the angle of t hese special pieces, different Payload characteristics can be met, without affecting the structural behaviour of the ring which remains the same. The tension in the ring is achieved by the thermoelastic effect produced by the heater integrated on the outside of the ring. Once the ring is cooled off in its place, it generates the corresponding pretension on the satellit e/adapter interface frames. The simplicity of both, the installation and the design concept itself: bri ngs about a high reliability to the system The CRSS design flexibility allows an easy and quick adaptability to any in terface diameter and so the development cost for new payloads necessities i s minimised. CRSS has been developed for standards 937, 1194, 1666, 2624 PAYLOAD/ADAPTOR interfaces and others non-standards. As an example of its high capability, the qualified CASA's CRSS 1194 allows to launch up to 7000 kg payloads having the center of,gravity up to 2.5 m from the interface plane (1194 interface is currently dedicated to match pa yloads lower than 4000 Kg). One of the reasons that limit the load capability of the classical clampban ds comes from the limit on the maximum allowed tension due to the strength of the band itself or due to the shock induced during the release of the ba nd. Here the CRSS system presents again advantages with regard the classica l one: The strength limit is improved due to the much higher ring cross area. The shock induced for the same tension is much lower due to its particular kinematic of releasing (apart of the advantage provided by the higher load capability on this matter). In summary, CRSS is a novel concept of separation system able to solve the limitations that provoke the substitution of the classical systems by multi ple pyrobolts hold-downs when very heavy payloads need to be launched. (C) 2000 International Astronautical Federation. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.