RocketPod™: A Method for Launching CubeSat-Class Payloads on ELVs and Spacecraft

RocketPod™ is a novel approach for carrying CubeSat-class secondary payloads to orbit aboard rockets and spacecraft at very low cost. The idea employs architectural features and mechanical, electrical and operational interfaces that are similar to Ecliptic’s RocketCam™ family of onboard video systems, which have been used successfully since 1997 on dozens of space missions. The most notable feature of the system is its ability to carry payloads on the exterior of a launch vehicle, outside the primary fairing and away from the primary payload. For rocket launches, both externally mounted (on the exterior skin of the host rocket) and internally mounted (inside the volume enclosed by the main payload fairing) pod carriers have been assessed. Payloads could be deployable free-flyer satellites or non-deployable attached experiments. Potential RocketPod applications on spacecraft include deploying inspector satellites, sub-satellites, other sensors or piggyback technology experiments. All payloads would be required to meet CubeSat-like interfaces and weigh 1 to 2 kg. A RocketPod-based program could start in early 2006 that would enable a cost-effective series of secondary payload launches with relatively short payload integration cycle times (much less than one year) and a variety of flexible mission options.