Abstract: An apparatus for launching and dispensing multiple satellites into orbit includes a central structure and a plurality of satellites releasably bundled around the central structure to form a cohesive, single payload mounted on an upper stage of a launcher rocket. The central structure includes a central tube and an adapter shell that fits onto the upper stage of the rocket. Each satellite has the shape of a partial cylinder segment of which an outer wall is a cylindrical segment shell. The satellites are bundled and secured together around the central structure by tension bands, whereby the cylindrical segment shells form a load-bearing complete outer cylindrical shell that surrounds the central tube. This structure provides sufficient stiffness and strength to withstand the loads that arise during launch, while having a reduced mass. The satellites themselves, rather than the central structure, bear the loads during launch. This allows the central structure to be of relatively lightweight construction.

Abstract: Vibrations of pipes or other components installed in a container such as a tank intended for holding liquids, are damped by surface area damping bodies, e.g. plates with through-holes that are immersed in the liquid in the container. These plates are rigidly connected to the pipes or components to be damped. The vibration damping plates are constructed of metal, for example, and the through-holes reduce the mass and advantageously affect the damping effect. The materials for making the perforated damping plates are selected to be compatible with the content of the containers, such as a fuel in a tank in a spacecraft. The surface area ratio of all cross-sectional areas of the through-holes to the total plate surface area is optimized to achieve a maximum damping effect. These perforated plates are secured to pipes, braces, filters, ducts, or other internal components of fuel tanks of land vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft.

Abstract: Cylindrical bodies of structural components, such as a spacecraft and a rocket section or two rocket sections, are coupled to each other by a releasable coupling device. The structural components have radially protruding flanges that face each other and are encircled by the coupling device. The coupling device includes a flexible tensioning element, such as a steel belt or link chain, the ends of which are interconnected by a clamping or locking device. The clamping or locking device is constructed as a two-armed lever, one end of which is connected to each of the ends of the tensioning element. The two-armed lever is rotatably supported and driven by an operating member such as a pipe section or rod. The two-armed lever is thus rotatable through an angle of about 180.degree. so that the ends of the tensioning element are brought into overlapping positions. When the ends are in such overlapping positions the device is locked. Rotation of the two-armed lever into the opposite direction unlocks the device.

Abstract: Shock sensitive equipment, for example, instruments in a spacecraft, must be protected against impacts, for example, those caused by severing explosions that separate the spacecraft from a used up rocket. For this purpose a platform carrying the component to be protected is secured to support structures of the craft by elastic spring devices, each of which has a low eigenfrequency or resonant frequency and a low damping constant, whereby the mounting is preferably so that friction forces are minimized. For example, the spring devices have a U-configuration connected to an L-configuration. Contact surface area minimizing ring spacers may be inserted between the platform and the spring devices.

Abstract: A solar energy collector arrangement is comprised of a plurality of parallely arranged strip-like mirrors, preferably made of aluminum with a silver layer on a concavely curved surface and solar cells being arranged on the rear convexly curved surface, upon which the mirror next to the first mentioned one concentrates solar radiation. These mirror strips are suspended by means of cable inbetween two bars so as to change the orientation of them vis-a-vis the sun; the bars, in turn, are preferably pivotably connected to a telescopic mast, there being additionally guide cable for gathering the individual mirrors. The entire arrangement can be pulled together by pulling all mirrors in juxtaposed position and pivoting the transverse bars against the telescopic mast.