{
  "patent_number": "US 11059609",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Rocket Lab Secures Satellites Inside Their Launch Dispensers",
  "original_title": "Satellite deployer with externally adjustable payload restraint",
  "summary": "A mechanical system that allows engineers to tighten and secure a satellite inside a launch container from the outside after the door is already closed.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a satellite dispenser that uses adjustable restraints—essentially small, screw-driven feet—to hold a satellite firmly in place during the intense vibrations of a rocket launch. The key innovation is that these restraints are controlled by manual interfaces located on the outside of the dispenser body. This allows technicians to load a satellite, close the dispenser door, and then perform final adjustments to the restraint pressure without having to reopen the container. The system also includes a pusher plate assembly with posts that align with these restraints to ensure the satellite remains stable and protected until it is ready for deployment in orbit.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover internal restraint systems that require opening the dispenser door to adjust.",
    "Does not cover automated, non-manual adjustment mechanisms (e.g., hydraulic or electronic actuators).",
    "Does not cover the specific electronics or communication systems of the satellite being held.",
    "Does not cover the rocket propulsion system itself."
  ],
  "filed": "2018-07-31",
  "granted": "2021-07-13",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Rocket Lab USA Inc",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/rocket-lab-usa-inc",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Peter Barlow",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/peter-barlow"
    },
    {
      "name": "Peter Beck",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/peter-beck"
    },
    {
      "name": "David Yoon",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/david-yoon"
    },
    {
      "name": "Ben Malcolm",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/ben-malcolm"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 2,
  "tags": [
    "aerospace",
    "mechanical"
  ],
  "abstract": "A satellite dispenser and method of using same are disclosed. In various embodiments, a satellite dispenser as disclosed herein includes a dispenser body defining an interior cavity to accommodate a payload; and a plurality of externally adjustable restraints positioned within the interior cavity and configured to be extended further into the interior cavity by actuation of a manual interface external to the interior cavity.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11059609/starlink-inter-satellite-laser-links",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11059609/starlink-inter-satellite-laser-links/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US11059609",
  "relatedPatents": [
    {
      "patentNumber": "11685554",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How Spacecraft Servicing Pods Maneuver and Refuel Other Satellites",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11685554/starship-upper-stage"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "11124318",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How a Host Spacecraft Refuels Another Satellite Without Using Its Fuel Tank",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11124318/starship-belly-flop-maneuver"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "11878818",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How Tiny Water-Powered Thrusters Steer Small Satellites",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11878818/starlink-maritime"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "11708181",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "How Boeing Stacks Electric Space Vehicles for Launch",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11708181/mechazilla-catch-tower"
    },
    {
      "patentNumber": "7503526",
      "countryCode": "US",
      "title": "A Rotating Space Station for Catching and Launching Cargo",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/7503526/supersonic-retropropulsion"
    }
  ]
}