Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080237399 | SATELLITES AND SATELLITE FLEET IMPLEMENTATION METHODS AND APPARATUS - A method for implementing a satellite fleet includes launching a group of satellites within a launch vehicle. In an embodiment, the satellites are structurally connected together through satellite outer load paths. After separation from the launch vehicle, nodal separation between the satellites is established by allowing one or more of the satellites to drift at one or more orbits having apogee altitudes below an operational orbit apogee altitude. A satellite is maintained in an ecliptic normal attitude during its operational life, in an embodiment. The satellite's orbit is efficiently maintained by a combination of axial, radial, and canted thrusters, in an embodiment. Satellite embodiments include a payload subsystem, a bus subsystem, an outer load path support structure, antenna assembly orientation mechanisms, an attitude control subsystem adapted to maintain the satellite in the ecliptic normal attitude, and an orbit maintenance/propulsion subsystem adapted to maintain the satellite's orbit. | 10-02-2008 |
20110031352 | Two Part Spacecraft Servicing Vehicle System with Adaptors, Tools, and Attachment Mechanisms - An in-space spacecraft servicing system ( | 02-10-2011 |
20110097995 | LUNAR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM - A system for communications between a lunar or planetary surface and the Earth may include a first communications satellite adapted to be positioned in a predetermined orbit relative to a celestial body. A first antenna may be mounted on the first communications satellite. The first antenna may include a predetermined beam shape for communications between the first communications satellite and an asset on the lunar or planetary surface. A second antenna may also be mounted on the first communications satellite. The second antenna may include a selected beam shape for communications between the first communications satellite and the Earth. A communications system may be included for relaying communications between the first and second antennas. | 04-28-2011 |
20130299641 | Multiple Space Vehicle Launch System - A multiple space vehicle launch system that may be adapted to be disposed within a payload region of a launch vehicle fairing. The launch system may include a first space vehicle, a second space vehicle releasably attached to the first space vehicle and oriented relative to the first space vehicle such that, when placed within the fairing, a launch load of the first space vehicle is transmitted to and borne by the second space vehicle. In certain embodiments, the first and second space vehicles each may include one of an electrical propulsion unit and a hybrid chemical and electrical propulsion unit. Use of electrical or hybrid chemical and electrical propulsion units enables the second space vehicle to bear all or a significant portion of the launch load of the first space vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for additional support structure. | 11-14-2013 |
20140061386 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING PROPULSION OPERATIONS USING ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus to methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a frame, a power source coupled to the frame and a payload coupled to the frame, the payload to receive or transmit data. The apparatus also includes an electric propulsion system coupled to the frame. The electric propulsion system is to enable attitude control, momentum control, and orbit control of the apparatus. | 03-06-2014 |
20140137537 | Rotary Switch Assembly for Ion Propulsion System - A gridded ion propulsion system comprising two power controllers, four ion thrusters, and two switch assemblies. One switch assembly is connected to the two power controllers and to two of the four ion thrusters. The other switch assembly is connected to the two power controllers and to the other two ion thrusters. Each switch assembly has first and second switching states which can be selected to enable either power controller to supply power to any one of the four ion thrusters. Each switch assembly comprises a respective movable body and a respective multiplicity of switches which change state in unison when the movable body changes position. For example, the movable body may be a rotatable hollow shaft driven by a stepper motor. | 05-22-2014 |
20160046394 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING PROPULSION OPERATIONS USING ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus to methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion system are disclosed. An example method includes deploying a space vehicle including an electric propulsion system; and using the electric propulsion system for attitude control and orbit control, no other propulsion system provided to enable the attitude control and the orbit control. | 02-18-2016 |
20160046397 | MULTIPLE SPACE VEHICLE LAUNCH SYSTEM - A space vehicle system, a method of manufacturing the space vehicle system, and a method of launching the space vehicle system are disclosed. The method of manufacturing the space vehicle system may include disposing a first space vehicle with an upper core structure upon a second space vehicle with a lower core structure such that loads of the first space vehicle are transmitted to the lower core structure of the second space vehicle. | 02-18-2016 |