Door mechanism for satellite deployer system

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an improved door system for a satellite deployer for storing, transporting, and deploying space payloads, as well as the method of its use. The satellite deployer's door system as described herein allows for increased efficiency due to the configuration of the mechanical structures used in the satellite deployment process.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of deploying a space payload comprising:
 placing a space payload inside of a satellite deployer, wherein said satellite deployer comprises:
 a housing having an open end and an interior volume; 
 a door movably connected to said housing by a hinge; 
 a locking mechanism; and 
 an ejection mechanism, 
   transporting said satellite deployer from a first location to a second location;   disengaging said locking mechanism;   rotating said door approximately 90 degrees about said hinge to uncover said open end;   and ejecting said space payload from said interior volume through said open end.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising placing at least one additional space payload inside of said interior volume and ejecting said at least one additional space payload out of said open end. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said space payload is ejected into a predetermined trajectory. 
     
     
         4 . A system for storing, transporting, and deploying a space payload comprising:
 a housing having an open end and an interior volume;   a door movably attached to said housing by a hinge located on said open end, wherein said hinge is configured to permit movement of said door between an open position and a closed position;   a frame extension, wherein said frame extension mechanically engages said door and said housing for preventing movement of said door 90 degrees from said closed position;   a locking mechanism attached to said door at its confluence when configured in a closed position;   ejection mechanism for moving items from within said interior volume; and   a mounting system for attaching the exterior of said housing to an external structure.   
     
     
         5 . The door mechanism of  claim 4 , wherein said open position is approximately 90 degrees rotated about said hinge from said closed position. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said locking mechanism comprises a ball lock. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said door further comprises a load point spaced apart from said hinge. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 4 , further comprising at least one circuit adapted to trigger said locking mechanism. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said door comprises two or more door sections, wherein each of said door sections extends partially across said open end when in said closed position. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein each of said door sections extends approximately halfway across said open end when said door is in said closed position. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said open end comprises a rectangular shape.