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Author
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Topic: What is this? Separation spring assy (Boeing)
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-13-2016 05:26 PM
   
I have had this piece of hardware for some time and associated it with the space shuttle external tank, which may or may not be correct. I have been unable to find any diagrams or photos to suggest exactly what it is.The label identifies it as a "separation spring assembly" and the package it came in was labeled Boeing. As pictured, it measures 15 inches long. Otherwise, I have no information. Does anyone know what this is?  |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 09-13-2016 06:13 PM
Looks more like a spacecraft separation spring. Definitely not associated with the shuttle ET. |
JBoe
Member Posts: 959
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 09-13-2016 06:28 PM
Just a shot in the dark, but I found something that was similar to your photo that's associated with the Delta III payload section, see page 66. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-13-2016 10:50 PM
Nice find. That Delta diagram does look like the assembly I have here. I guess I need to track down someone at ULA who might be able to confirm. Thanks! |
perssj
Member Posts: 73
From: Sweden
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 09-18-2016 12:23 AM
This is a separation spring used between satellites and launcher. RUAG Space Sweden is a worldwide supplier of this kind of equipments. When the clampband releases between the launcher and the payload, a number of springs gently separates the satellite from the launcher.See also official website for an example. Jan Persson
Project Manager at RUAG Space Sweden
Digital Equipments |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 09-18-2016 10:09 AM
I think this is also the kind of spring thruster used in Apollo to give the outward thrust to the SLA panels once they had swung away from the LM. |
perssj
Member Posts: 73
From: Sweden
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 09-18-2016 12:10 PM
I can confirm looking at the label (drawing number and work order number) on the item that this is indeed a separation spring manufactured by RUAG Space Sweden.These springs are used together with our clampband, attaching the payload to the launcher. Normally 4-12 springs are mounted for a satellite, dependent on the weight of the satellite and the separation speed requested by the satellite manufacturer. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-18-2016 01:00 PM
Thanks Jan. So knowing that it was made by RUAG Space Sweden, is there any way to know for what launch vehicle or spacecraft this was produced for? Or are they a standardized product across vehicles? |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 09-18-2016 05:56 PM
They are generic. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 09-19-2016 08:06 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
...is there any way to know for what launch vehicle or spacecraft this was produced for?
Robert, do you know what timeframe you acquired it? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-19-2016 08:58 AM
If I recall correctly, it was sometime in the 2005 to 2010 timeframe. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 09-19-2016 09:35 AM
Maybe Sealaunch related, since Boeing was responsible for the payload section and ULA was formed in 2006. |
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