NEA® 8″ Payload Release Ring (PRR-8)
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD)
The NEA® 8" Payload Release Ring (PRR-8) is a low-shock, low-mass mechanism designed to release payloads up to 100 kg from a launch vehicle, utilizing four NEA® release mechanisms and separation springs.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Mass
- 2.1 kg
Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.
As published by the supplier
- Payload Capability
- 100 kg
- Shock Output
- <300 g’s
- Release Time
- 40 ms
- Total Mass
- 4.7 lb (2.1 kg)
- Fly Away Mass
- 1.6 lb (0.7 kg)
- Temperature Range
- -90°C to +135°C
- Maximum Tip off
- 1° per sec
- Spring Energy
- 3.57 J
- Number of Springs
- 4 to 8
- Outer Diameter
- 10.50 in (26.70 cm)
- Inner Diameter
- 5.15 in (13.10 cm)
- Height
- 2.44 in (6.2 cm)
About
The NEA® 8″ Payload Release Ring (PRR-8) is a flight-proven mechanism that facilitates the separation of payloads from a launch vehicle. It consists of four NEA® release mechanisms, two ring halves, and separation springs with corresponding holders. The NEA® mechanisms compress the separation springs and hold the ring halves together. The PRR-8, with the attached payload, is mounted to the launch vehicle using twenty-four fasteners. Electrical connection to the launch vehicle is via redundant connectors, which distribute current to the four NEA® release mechanisms. Upon current application, the mechanisms actuate, allowing the separation springs to push the payload away from the launch vehicle. Key features include low release shock, redundant actuation circuit, low mass, no debris generation, and customizable separation velocity (4-8 push-off springs). It is designed for launch vehicle payload release applications, specifically for an Ø8″ circular port with 1/4″ fasteners, and can be operated with standard launch vehicle circuitry. The product has significant in-orbit heritage.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.