An Adaptable Frangible Separation Joint

Controlling the level of contamination for sensitive spacecraft instruments during launch and fairing separation has long been a concern for the aerospace community. Reducing the cost of such systems is critical to successful incorporation into Small Satellite applications. Orbital Sciences Corporation and Ensign Bickford Aerospace Corporation have developed a low-cost, adaptable frangible separation joint for these applications. This new frangible joint merges innovative fabrication - techniques and proven expanding tube technology to produce a system which is highly reliable and adaptable to most spacecraft and fairing interfaces. This paper will describe the frangible joint system and the unique features which bring about the cost reductions. A summary of the analytical and test results will also be presented. Some current and possible future space applications will also be discussed.