Planetary Systems

Motorized Lightband |Latching Lightband |Standard Lightband | Options and Sub-assemblies | FAQ

Technical Specifications Brochure | Lightband Flight Heritage | Lightband Video

Lightband Features and Benefits

Lightweight: Lightband is typically 1/3rd the mass of an equivalent function V-band/Marman Clamp. On multi-satellite missions mass savings are multiplied.

Flight Proven: Lightband has flown on multiple missions and successfully deployed satellites on each. Please see "Flight Heritage"

Low shock: Non-explosive initiation combined with a low strain energy design produce an order-of-magnitude less shock than pyrotechnics

Low Height: Lightband is half the height of V-band/Marman Clamp devices and 1/8th the cross sectional area. This allows taller space vehicles, longer solar arrays and larger external components in and around the separation plane. Benefits are multiplied in multiple payload launches.

Test verified: Every flight Lightband is tested for strength, vibration, thermal vacuum and separation reliability. Reliability is demonstrated

Integrated solution: All of the subsystems of a separation system are completely included in the Lightband. This eliminates the cost to separately design, qualify and procure separation connectors, separation springs, band catchers, etc.

Versatile: Virtually any diameter and any shape can be made. Open sections are possible. Bolted, riveted and bonded interface features may be added. The 18 inch Lightbands built for University Nanosat are hexagonal to match the hexagonal structure. The 26 inch Lightband for Starshine had a spherical interface to directly mate to the sphere.

Low Cost: Lightband typically costs 1/2 as much as an equivalent function V-band/Marman Clamp. Lightband reset cost is typically 1/100th that of V-band/Marman Clamp devices. Cost includes rigorous and thorough testing. Typical delivery is eight (8) months ARO. A two million dollar, six year development effort was necessary to achieve this economy. Further investments and advances continue.

Motorized Lightband (MLB)

Motor Mechanism: Motors power a linear way attached to links which over-center. Because it is over-centered the motors do not hold the Lightband set. During deployment, mechanism snaps instantly and repeatably.

Separation Springs: Impart separation velocity and cause alignment. Add more for greater velocity or to compensate for CG offsets. Angle them to spin-up.

Hinged Leaves: Unlatches and rotates to disengage. Grooves for shear pins react shear.

Retaining Ring: Loaded in compression to push leaves into upper ring. Integral roller bearings eliminate sliding friction.

Separation Switch : Switch power on or off as a function of separation. Normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC). Place them on lower or upper ring to operate adjoining vehicle
Upper and Lower Rings: The mechanical interface to adjoining vehicles. The upper ring is hard anodized and the lower ring is iridited

Separation Connectors: Allow signal and power between adjoining vehicles. Zero-force pins for ultra low tip-off. Shell has feature to attach shielding. Wire harness can be routed inside lower ring (between leaves). Guide pins guarantee alignment.

How the MLB Works:

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Latching Lightband (LLB)

The Latching Lightband (LLB) is a separation system for straight seams, curves and large diameters. Applications include:
Launch vehicle fairings
Launch vehicle staging
Payload separation

A Latching Lightband Overview is available for download here

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Standard Lightband (SLB)


Separation Switch : Switch power on or off as a function of separation. Normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC). Place them on lower or upper ring to operate adjoining vehicle Separation Springs: Impart separation velocity and cause alignment. Add more for greater velocity or to compensate for CG offsets. Angle them to spin-up. Hinged Leaves: Unlatches and rotates to disengage. Grooves for shear pins react shear.	De-tensioner: Initiates separation by cutting retaining line with redundant radiant heaters. Non pyro-technic. Minimal vapor is generated Tensioner: Sets the Lightband for flight by tensioning the retaining line with single turn of torque wrench. Built-in load cell redundantly verifies tension	Upper and Lower Rings: The mechanical interface to adjoining vehicles. The upper ring is hard anodized and the lower ring is iridited Separation Connectors: Allow signal and power between adjoining vehicles. Zero-force pins for ultra low tip-off. Guide pins guarantee alignment.
How the SLB works:

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Options and Sub-assemblies

	Miniature Separation System: PSC designed and manufactured both the retroflective satellite (6 inch dia.)and the release system pictured here, for Starshine. For relatively lightweight and small payloads, the Lightband is too large. PSC's separation expertise can be brought to bear on custom applications as well.
	Separation Electrical Connectors: 15 pins. Allow signal and power between adjoining vehicles. Zero-force pins for ultra low tip-off. Shell has feature to attach shielding. Wire harness can be routed inside lower ring (through leaves). See Downloads for Separation Connector drawing/specs
	Line Cutter Assembly: Sub-system for low-shock deployment. Used on CubeSat for deployment via P-POD. Initiates separation by cutting retaining line with redundant radiant heaters. Non pyro-technic. No gas or debris is generated. Personnel and shipment hazards eliminated.
	Separation Switch: (SPDT) Switch power on or off as a function of separation. Normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC). Place them on lower or upper ring to operate adjoining vehicle

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