Optimization of Spacecraft Structure by Using Coupled Load Analysis

In spacecraft system, structure subsystem has the mission of supporting all the components safely under various space environmental conditions. The safety of spacecraft structure is finally verified from the coupled load analysis, which is a branch of load analysis which combines the launch vehicle and satellite. This study introduces the optimization algorithm to reduce the weight of spacecraft structure under launch environmental conditions directly. The acceleration responses are obtained by the introduction of coupled load analysis, which lead to check the failure of spacecraft structural members. The results show a 12% saving of structural weight and this saving is mainly driven by the thickness of honeycomb core, which strongly affects the natural frequencies of platforms and panels.