Flotron’s Dual Support Cradles (DSC) are designed to turn a standard rotation fixture into a dual axis of rotation fixture. The DSC is for cantilevered payloads that require both tilting and 360° rotation. There are different capacity cradles for different payload weights and the larger cradle features the option to have gearbox driven rotation on the secondary axis of rotation. The DSC-P1 was designed to be used with Flotron’s XD739, XD747, or SFP-645 series dual support fixtures. The DSC-P2 and DSC-G2 were designed to be used with Flotron’s SFP-759, SFP-853, or SFP-862 series dual support fixtures. The cradles can be used with other rotation fixtures if the capacity is rated high enough and swing clearance is sufficient. The cradles have been optimized for both high strength and low weight with advanced FEA software. Custom length cradles are available upon request in 20” increments for payloads that require more (or less) swing radius clearance than the standard. The load rating may be lower for longer cradles than standard.

Flotron’s satellite mobile platforms are designed to support satellites in the vertical orientation, i.e. when the longitudinal axis of the satellite is perpendicular to the floor. The payload separation plane is low to the floor to minimize the required hook height when integrating the space vehicle with the platform interface using an overhead crane. The platform provides a working area for technicians to gain ergonomic access to the spacecraft during assembly, integration and test operations. Leveling jacks allow the technician to level the unit on uneven terrain. The satellite platform is designed to consider ergonomics during intra-facility transportation of the space vehicle. Caster wheel material has been specified to maximize rollability and both a push bar and a tow bar have been incorporated to provide options for maneuvering the loaded satellite mobile platform.

See below for comparative data on the satellite mobile platform models and click on any image for additional information.

Flotron’s off‐the‐shelf cantilevered rotation fixture is designed to be a cost-effective solution to allow ergonomic full access to cantilevered payloads. The CRF design intent is to support small satellites or satellite instruments during assembly, integration and test activities. The spaceflight hardware can be supported in a cantilevered orientation so that the longitudinal axis is parallel to the floor and then rotated 360 degrees.