Review of Development Status and Key Technologies of Launch Vehicle Fairing Closure Systems

JIA Xibei; ZHANG Jun; TIAN Nuoman; LI Hongbing

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.21.034

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (21) : 315-325. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.21.034

Equipment Protection

Review of Development Status and Key Technologies of Launch Vehicle Fairing Closure Systems

JIA Xibei¹, ZHANG Jun², TIAN Nuoman¹, LI Hongbing^3*

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Abstract

The work aims to thoroughly examine launch vehicle fairing closure systems to address challenges in high-precision alignment, deformation control, and assembly stability for large fairings, aiming to meet the demands of high-frequency commercial space launches. By reviewing recent research in fairing assembly, this paper analyzed the principles, pros and cons, and applications of vertical hoisting and horizontal push-installation techniques. It compared closure systems across rocket models, identifying common components like fixtures, walking mechanisms, pose-adjustment mechanisms, and star-fairing support platforms. The paper also delved into how six-degree-of-freedom systems corrected warpage in large flexible thin-walled structures and how high fixtures prevented overturning, ensuring assembly stability and safety. Furthermore, it explored the intelligent trends in closure systems, including smart sensing, real-time feedback, autonomous decision-making, adaptive control, human-machine collaboration, and intelligent interaction, to enhance alignment accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability to complex conditions. Research shows that advanced fairing closure technologies and systems can significantly improve assembly precision and efficiency, reduce risks, and provide valuable references for closure system design. This supports the smooth execution of high-frequency commercial space launches.

Key words

launch vehicle / fairing / fairing closure device / star-fairing assembly / six-degree-of-freedom positioning system / high fixture anti-tilt calculation method

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JIA Xibei, ZHANG Jun, TIAN Nuoman, LI Hongbing. Review of Development Status and Key Technologies of Launch Vehicle Fairing Closure Systems[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2025, 46(21): 315-325 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.21.034

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