Payload module

Abstract

There is disclosed a plurality of sufficient closely-packed functional units which are interconnected to form a non-planar payload module assembly 40. Advantageously, the payload modular structure 40 is compact with few piece parts, has low output losses, and is robust enough for supporting complete payloads with or without reflectors. The payload modular structure has utility in various space-based applications as well as in various terrestrial applications.

1 . A plurality of sufficient closely-packed functional units interconnected to form a non-planar payload module.  
   
   
       2 . A non-planar payload module comprising: 
 a supporting structure for supporting the payload equipment; and    a receiving volume for receiving the payload equipment, said volume being defined by the requirement to accommodate a predetermined sufficient closely-packed formation of interconnected functional units.    
   
   
       3 . A non-planar payload module comprising: 
 a supporting structure for mechanically supporting a number of interconnected functional units;    said number of functional units being arranged to provide a sufficient closely-packed modular formation occupying a predetermined volume of the module;    a number of thermal radiators positioned remotely in relation to the position of the supporting structure; and    means operable to define a thermal pathway between one or more dissipative elements of said module and said number of thermal radiators so that in use dissipated heat is transported from said one or more elements to said number of thermal radiators via the thermal pathway.    
   
   
       4 . A module as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a faceted tubular body for receiving the units.  
   
   
       5 . A module as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the faceted body has an irregular structure.  
   
   
       6 . A module as claimed in  claim 4  including feed means for converting electrons into photons or vice versa.  
   
   
       7 . A module as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the functional units are mounted at different predetermined locations on a plurality of inner faces of the faceted body and the associated feed locations are mounted in proximate relationship to the functional units at different predetermined locations on corresponding external faces of the faceted body.  
   
   
       8 . A module as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the functional units are mounted at different predetermined locations on a plurality of external faces of the faceted body and the associated feed locations are mounted in proximate relationship to the functional units at different predetermined locations on corresponding inner faces of the faceted body.  
   
   
       9 . A module as claimed in  claim 4  wherein there are eight functional units arrayed in an octagon around an opening defined by the faceted body.  
   
   
       10 . A module as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a rack-mounting chassis.  
   
   
       11 . A module as claimed in  claim 10  wherein a receiving volume space is defined by the chassis to accommodate a linear array of functional units, each of the units being slidably mounted on the chassis when in use.  
   
   
       12 . A module as claimed in  claim 1  including temperature compensation means.  
   
   
       13 . A module as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said temperature compensation means includes a number of heat pipes for gathering heat dissipated by the functional units and circuitry responsive to the output of dissipated heat for adjusting temperature differences in the module.  
   
   
       14 . A spacecraft vehicle or satellite incorporating a module as claimed in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       15 . A communications system for airborne use incorporating a module as claimed in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       16 . A radar communications system incorporating a module as claimed in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       17 . An optical/quasi-optical system incorporating a module as claimed in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . A self-contained payload module with external power means and external locating means for location of the module in a desired position.