Beyond Gravity Separation Systems

Beyond Gravity’s separation systems are engineered to securely hold satellites to their launch vehicles during the journey to orbit and then precisely deliver the valuable payload to orbit at specified relative velocity, potential spin, or transverse spin. With an excellent flight record of over 1200 in-orbit separations and a 100% success rate, these systems provide confidence for future missions. The offerings include standard and specialized systems for various applications, such as in-orbit separation of return-to-earth capsules, encompassing both clamp-band and hard-point separation systems. Their low-shock clamp-tape separation system is an industry standard.

For multiple satellite launches, Beyond Gravity provides dispenser systems, particularly suitable for spacecraft constellations requiring rapid orbital deployment. These dispensers have a strong track record on programs like Galileo, TerraBella, Radarsat Constellation, Amazon Leo, and Eutelsat OneWeb. A dispenser system integrates a structure subsystem, separation system, electrical harness, and thermal subsystem. The dispenser structure bolts to the launch vehicle’s upper stage, with each spacecraft attached at separation nodes. These dispensers ensure a stiff connection during launch, safe release, and accurate separation via separation nuts and spring units. The electrical harness includes redundant umbilical cables to each spacecraft, a harness to pyrotechnical initiators, and an instrumentation harness. Dispensers can also be equipped with Beyond Gravity’s power and sequencing electronics.

Specific separation systems include:
– **ESPA Separation System (PSR 1575 mm / 62”)**: Fully compatible with the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA). It features a low shock clamp band separation system, payload separation rings, umbilical connectors, and a separation spring set. Utilizes the CBOD™ Low Shock Release Mechanism for high load capability and low shock release.
– **PAS 381S (15”) Separation System**: The smallest low-shock separation system, designed for small spacecraft interfacing with launcher vehicles, fitting the ESPA 15” adapter interface.
– **PAS 432S (17”) Separation System**: Designed for satellites up to 200 kg @ 0.45 mm on the VEGA launch vehicle. Includes a low shock clamp band separation system, interface rings, umbilical connection, and a separation spring set. Employs the CBOD-LT™ Separation System Release Mechanism for high load capability and low shock release.
– **PAS 610S (24”) Separation System**: Load capability fully compatible with the Moog CSA ESPA and environments from the ESPA Rideshare User’s Guide.

Beyond Gravity also offers separation nuts:
– **Separation Nut PSM 1/2B**: A medium-sized low-shock separation nut for interfacing medium-sized spacecraft (typical 500-1000kg) with launcher vehicles, developed for constellation class satellites.
– **Separation Nut PSM 3/8B**: The smallest low-shock separation nut for interfacing small spacecraft (typical 100-200kg) with launcher vehicles, developed for One Web™ class satellites.

Finally, Beyond Gravity is a leading provider of modular payload adapter systems, which are physical structures connecting payloads to launch vehicles. These adapters are compatible with almost any satellite and launch vehicle, with heritage on Alpha, Antares, Ariane, Atlas, Delta, Falcon 9/H, New Glenn, Vega C, and Vulcan launch vehicles. They offer a wide range of systems compatible with most satellite buses. Services include customer support through all program phases up to successful on-orbit separation. Adapters are tailored to customer needs and manufactured from aluminum or carbon fiber composites for impressive performance.