Payload Release Ring Demonstrated on Falcon 9 Mission
An experimental payload carried into orbit by SpaceX has been deployed using a new payload release ring spacecraft separation system developed by Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD).
"EBAD serves both the satellite and launch vehicle markets, giving us a unique understanding of separation and dispensing systems requirements, which reside at the crossroads of both space markets."
Chad Thompson, president of EBAD.
D-Orbit's ION Satellite Carrier successfully delivered EBAD's experiment to low Earth orbit. The data gathered from this experiment ensures EBAD's new spacecraft dispensing products carry the same reliability that the industry is accustomed to with its heritage NEA release mechanism. The experiment provided valuable data on the performance of the payload release ring (PRR), which is designed to separate satellites from the launch vehicle or orbital transfer vehicle (OTV). Available in 8-inch, 15-inch, and 24-inch diameters, the PRRs utilize the NEA Hold Down & Release Mechanisms (HDRM) and are configured to fasten directly to industry-standard circular mounting interfaces, and to satellites up to 800 kg (≈1,770 pounds) in mass. The demonstration mission launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9 on January 31, 2023, and the PRR successfully deployed the payload from D-Orbit's ION carrier on February 8, 2023.
"EBAD serves both the satellite and launch vehicle markets, giving us a unique understanding of separation and dispensing systems requirements, which reside at the crossroads of both space markets. Our high volume and vertically integrated production capabilities allow us to deliver reliable payload deployment systems with higher value and significantly shorter lead times," said Chad Thompson, president of EBAD.
Payload Release Ring Demonstration was First Of Several Such Tests
This most recent demonstration focused on the 8-inch diameter payload release ring. EBAD has several other upcoming flight demonstration missions for its 15-inch and 24-inch diameter PRRs, and its integrated 4-Point Mount Separation System, which also utilizes the flight-proven NEA HDRMs.
Outside of this mission, EBAD has a long history of successful space separation events with its ultra-low shock and high reliability NEA Hold Down & Release Mechanisms and resettable TiNi Mechanisms, including 187 releases on the James Webb Space Telescope, 80 deployments of the OneWeb satellites, and most recently, the release of the O3b mPower satellites in a 4-Point Mount configuration.
(Source: EBAD news release. Images provided)