Abstract: A satellite dispenser adapted to be coupled to a launch vehicle. The dispenser includes a single-piece, integrally formed tubular shell for supporting a plurality of independent satellites thereon. The tubular shell is significantly lighter than multi-piece dispenser shells that require a connecting ring for coupling the post portion and base portion of the shell together. The single piece shell also significantly reduces the cost and simplifies the manufacture of the dispenser shell. The dispenser shell, in certain preferred embodiments, includes a tapered post portion which enables satellites being carried on the upper portion of the post portion to extend further into a fairing disposed over the satellites and dispenser shell during flight, thus making more efficient use of the envelope defined by the interior area of the fairing. A frusto-conical base portion integrally formed with the post portion enables the load supported by the dispenser shell to be evenly distributed throughout the base portion.

Abstract: A satellite dispenser adapted to be coupled to a launch vehicle. The dispenser includes a single-piece, integrally formed tubular shell for supporting a plurality of independent satellites thereon. The tubular shell is significantly lighter than multi-piece dispenser shells that require a connecting ring for coupling the post portion and base portion of the shell together. The single piece shell also significantly reduces the cost and simplifies the manufacture of the dispenser shell. The dispenser shell, in certain preferred embodiments, includes a tapered post portion which enables satellites being carried on the upper portion of the post portion to extend further into a fairing disposed over the satellites and dispenser shell during flight, thus making more efficient use of the envelope defined by the interior area of the fairing. A frusto-conical base portion integrally formed with the post portion enables the load supported by the dispenser shell to be evenly distributed throughout the base portion.

Abstract: A dispensing system for releasing a number of spacecraft from a launch vehicle. The dispensing system includes a base support structure securely fastened to a launch vehicle and a number of stacked frame assemblies. Each frame assembly includes a number of substantially parallel load bearing elongated post elements and a shear load transferring structure. The post elements are so arranged and spaced so as to define a geometry having a centerline. Each post element has a first end portion and a second end portion. Each first end portion is connected to either another frame assembly or the base support structure of the launch vehicle. The post elements support a number of spacecraft. The spacecraft are supported between adjacent post elements. The shear load transferring structure is connected to the post elements for transferring shear loads between the post elements.