Annular support structure
An annular support structure may support a cargo spacecraft having a service module and a cargo module. The cargo module of the cargo spacecraft is positioned along the launch vehicle axis in a direction distal from the support structure, and at least a portion of the service module of the cargo spacecraft positioned within an annulus of the support structure.
1 . An annular support structure non-releasably attached to a launch vehicle booster by a first connecting element, releasably attached by a second connecting element to a cargo module disposed outside of the annular support structure, and to support an axial load of the cargo module during launch, and further wherein the annular support structure, once attached to the launch vehicle booster and to the cargo module, is to remain attached until a stage separation between the launch vehicle booster and the cargo module, upon which the annular support structure is to separate from the cargo module and remain with the launch vehicle booster.
2 . The annular support structure of claim 1 , wherein the cargo module is attached to a service section.
3 . The annular support structure of claim 1 , wherein the cargo module is part of a cargo spacecraft.
4 . The annular support structure of claim 3 , wherein the second connecting element comprises a separation structure wherein the separation structure is configured to attach to the cargo module.
5 . The annular support structure of claim 1 , wherein the annular support structure is comprised of a cylindrical structure which at least partially encloses an annulus therein and is comprised of a metal or composite configured to support launch loads associated with the cargo module.
6 . The annular support structure of claim 1 , wherein the annular support structure is comprised of a strut arrangement.
7 . The annular support structure of claim 1 , wherein the annular support structure is adapted to carry a first cargo arranged concentrically around the cargo module.
8 . The annular support structure of claim 1 , wherein the annular support structure is configured to provide support for the cargo module using a load path which bypasses a service module attached to the cargo module by the service module being within an annulus formed by the annular support structure.