1782results about "Artificial satellites" patented technology

The present invention provides a docking mechanism that is capable of interfacing with Apogee Boost Motors (ABM) including Liquid Apogee Motors (LAM) of the satellite being captured to allow a servicing spacecraft to dock with a satellite that has no special docking features. The docking mechanism includes a compliant probe with spring-loaded fingers at its tip which is inserted into the LAM by the approach motion of the servicer spacecraft. When the probe tip has passed beyond the throat of the LAM the finger extend to trap the LAM on the probe thus achieving capture. The rigidization stage of docking is achieved by retracting the probe to pull the two spacecraft together. The docking mechanism includes abutment pads which interface with the launcher interface ring of the client spacecraft. With the preload applied by the probe retraction mechanism reacted through these pads, the docking mechanism can maintain a rigid docked interface under loads induced by thrusting maneuvers of the combined spacecraft or loads induced by on-orbit servicing operations.

An optical communication system using a high altitude tethered balloon 10 that operates above most clouds and atmospheric turbulence. An optical communication system includes a balloon 10 with an optical communication payload 30, a fiber optic cable attached to the tether 12, an automated winch system 14, and a ground station 28. The balloon 10 is designed for sustained flight at, and recovery from, high altitude using the automated winch system 14. An acquisition, tracking and pointing (ATP) system 22 enables a balloon-based optical transceiver 24 to maintain line-of-sight optical communications with an overhead satellite 34. The optical link between the satellite 34 and the balloon 10 is an open channel. Data is transmitted to the ground station 28 from the balloon 10 through the secure fiber optic closed channel attached to the tether 12.

An autonomous unmanned space flight system and planetary lander executes a discrete landing sequence including performing an initial velocity braking maneuver to remove velocity at altitude, coasting during which the planet surface is imaged and correlated to reference maps to estimate cross-track and along-track navigation errors and one or more lateral braking maneuvers are performed to reduce cross-track navigation error, and performing a terminal velocity braking maneuver(s) to reduce the along-track braking maneuver and remove the remainder of the velocity just prior to landing. A bi-propellant propulsion system provides a very high T / M ratio, at least 15:1 per nozzle. Short, high T / M divert maneuvers provide the capability to remove cross-track navigation error efficiently up to the maximum resolution of the reference maps. Short, high T / M terminal velocity braking maneuver(s) provide the capability to remove along-track navigation error to a similar resolution and remove the remaining velocity in a very short time window, approximately 3-15 seconds prior to touchdown. The propulsive efficiency frees up mass which can be allocated to a fuel to remove the unknown navigation errors, perform hazard avoidance and / or relocate the lander by flying it to another site or be allocated to additional payload.

Integrated glass ceramic spacecraft include a plurality of glass ceramic components including molded, tempered, annealed, and patterned glass ceramic components coupled together for forming a support structure or frame or housing through which is communicated optical signals through an optical communications grid and electrical signals through an electrical communications grid, with the optical communications grid and electrical communication grid forming a composite electrooptical communications grid for spacecraft wide intercommunications. The support structure multifunctions as a frame, a housing, a support, a thermal control system, and as part of an electrooptical communications grid while encapsulating a plurality of optical, electronic, electrical, and MEMS devices between which is communicated the electrical and optical signals over the electrooptical communication grid.

A remotely controlled apparatus for grasping an object such as a satellite in space includes a free-flying grasper unit connected by a selectively extendable cable to an orbital platform. The orbital platform and the grasper unit are preferably each independently propelled by respective propulsion systems including multi-axis maneuvering nozzles respectively provided on the orbital platform and on the grasper unit. The grasper unit preferably includes a grasper unit body and a grasper-arm mechanism having a controllable grasping claw articulately mounted on the end of a controllable telescoping arm that extends from the grasper unit body. The grasper unit preferably further includes a camera and a distance measuring sensor to provide visual and distance feedback data for assisting the remotely controlled maneuvering of the grasper unit and actuation of the grasper-arm mechanism.

An apparatus for lowering an orbit of a space object includes an envelope, an inflation system for inflating the envelope, an inflation control system for controlling the inflation system, and attachment hardware for connecting the apparatus and the space object. Inflating the envelope increases an effective drag area of the envelope for increasing atmospheric drag on the envelope.

A recovery craft with a coupling arrangement captures, engages, and transports a defective or expended non-maneuverable spacecraft. The coupling arrangement includes a coupling mast (e.g. a telescoping pipe), a releasable rigid mount that secures one end of the coupling mast to the recovery craft, and spreader arms that are radially spreadable from the other end of the coupling mast. The spreader arms are initially radially inwardly retracted, and are inserted into an interface ring of the spacecraft. Then the spreader arms are radially outwardly extended to engage behind a protruding rim of the interface ring. A spring braces against the spacecraft. Next, the rigid mount is released and the coupling mast remains connected to the recovery craft only by a tension-transmitting cable. Thrusters of the recovery craft are activated to tow the spacecraft to a new target position, orbit, or trajectory.

A method for implementing a modular platform for the construction of satellites and other spacecraft based on modular platform architecture, the method comprising: (a) identifying a plurality of functional elements and their associated functional routines that may be operable within at least one satellite; (b) associating the functional routines with one another in a strategic manner; (c) dividing the functional routines to define a plurality of subsystems; and (d) deriving a plurality of modules from the plurality of subsystems, each of the modules being configured to operably interface with at least one other module to construct a working satellite capable of carrying out a pre-determined number of the functional routines.

Provided is a satellite simulation system based on component-based satellite modeling. The system includes: a user interface unit for receiving simulation control commands and data and parameter required for simulation from a user; a satellite model unit for individually storing information dependant on the satellite, characteristics of the simulation object model and parameter information based on the characteristics, and performing simulation upon receipt of simulation control commands; and a simulation kernel unit for creating a schedule control command for simulation control of the satellite model unit, the onboard simulation unit and the external interface unit by the control command receiving / transmitting from / to the control command / telemetry to satellite control system, performing control and collecting and managing simulation results.

A sub-orbital, high altitude communications system comprising at least two ground stations and at least one high altitude relay station. Each of the ground stations including means for sending and receiving telecommunications signals. The relay stations include means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and from and to other relay stations. Means are provided for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of the relay stations so that a predetermined altitude and location of each of said relay stations can be achieved and maintained. Means are provided for receiving the relay stations so that they can be serviced for reuse.

A method and apparatus for deploying a group of panels. An apparatus comprises a group of panels in a folded configuration against a side of a spacecraft, a group of flexible members connected to the group of panels, and an interface system associated with the group of panels and the group of flexible members. The interface system is configured to move the group of panels from the folded configuration to a deployed configuration when the group of flexible members is extended from the spacecraft.

Various embodiments of the present invention include an attitude control system for use with small satellites. According to various embodiments, the system allows rapid retargeting (e.g., high slew rates) and full three-axis attitude control of small satellites using a compact actuation system. In certain embodiments, the compact actuation system includes a plurality of single-gimbaled control moment gyroscopes (SGCMG) arranged in a pyramidal configuration that are disposed within a small satellite.

A sub-orbital, high altitude communications system comprising at least two ground stations and at least one high altitude relay station. Each of the ground stations including means for sending and receiving telecommunications signals. The relay stations include means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and from and to other relay stations. Means are provided for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of the relay stations so that a predetermined altitude and location of each of said relay stations can be achieved and maintained Means are provided for receiving the relay stations so that they can be serviced for reuse.

An apparatus for launching and dispensing multiple satellites into orbit includes a central structure and a plurality of satellites releasably bundled around the central structure to form a cohesive, single payload mounted on an upper stage of a launcher rocket. The central structure includes a central tube and an adapter shell that fits onto the upper stage of the rocket. Each satellite has the shape of a partial cylinder segment of which an outer wall is a cylindrical segment shell. The satellites are bundled and secured together around the central structure by tension bands, whereby the cylindrical segment shells form a load-bearing complete outer cylindrical shell that surrounds the central tube. This structure provides sufficient stiffness and strength to withstand the loads that arise during launch, while having a reduced mass. The satellites themselves, rather than the central structure, bear the loads during launch. This allows the central structure to be of relatively lightweight construction.

An apparatus for orbital change of a satellite incorporates a capture mechanism for space debris and a tether connecting the capture mechanism to a satellite. The tether is extendable to position the capture mechanism relative to the space debris. A controller is employed for timed release of the space debris by the capture mechanism for orbital change by the satellite.

Apparatus and methods for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection, recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a “Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension” (“SIRE”) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as “target satellites”. The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as “Lifetime Extension”, “Recovery”, and “Utility”. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10). One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom ( 11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

The invention discloses separable micro and nano-satellite configuration which comprises a satellite body, a plurality of separate release sub-satellites, mechanical net claws, a flexible solar cell array and a variable-structure mechanical arm. The separable micro and nano-satellite configuration has the advantages that the integral separable micro and nano-satellite configuration is in such a configuration form that a primary satellite carries the multiple sub-satellites, and functions of separately releasing and hovering the micro and nano-satellites can be realized; the efficiency of the solar cell array can be improved owing to combined configuration comprising flexible solar wings and the variable-structure mechanical arm; mechanical net claw mechanisms are carried on the micro and nano-satellites, so that a function of capturing space targets can be realized; the separable micro and nano-satellite configuration is provided with a plurality of stereoscopic vision imaging cameras, so that a stereoscopic monitoring function can be realized; attitude maneuver and attitude stabilization of the micro and nano-satellites can be implemented by the aid of a solid miniature propulsion technology, so that the sub-satellite separate release control ability can be improved; the separable micro and nano-satellite configuration is applicable to fifty-kilogram-level micro-miniature artificial earth satellites on near-earth orbits and is also applicable to micro-satellite networking, scientific detection aircrafts and relevant micro and nano-satellite space demonstration and experiments.

A practical orbit raising method and system wherein a satellite quickly escapes the Van Allen radiation belts and payload mass and mission life are maximized. A satellite is launched that contains high thrust chemical propulsion thrusters, high specific impulse electric propulsion thrusters and a solar array. The satellite quickly escapes the Van Allen radiation belts by firing the high thrust chemical propulsion thrusters at apogees of intermediate orbits, starting from the transfer orbit initiated by a launch vehicle, to successively raise the perigees until the perigee clears the Van Allen radiation belts. The payload mass and mission life are maximized by firing high specific impulse electric propulsion thrusters to raise the satellite to near synchronous orbit, while steering the thrust vector and solar array to maintain the sun's illumination on the solar array. The chemical and / or electric propulsion thrusters are then fired to achieve geosynchronous orbit.

An aerospace hardware derelict item is salvaged in space, modified, and reused to provide manned facilities in orbit. The hardware packages added onto the salvaged discarded item enhances its value, and incorporates at least the subsystems required to effectively reuse portions of previously discarded launch vehicle components, and other derelict objects in space. The hardware, and technique used reduces the cost of launching comparable hardware to orbit, because of the reuse, and provides a human habitation in orbit. The salvaged items include the external tank of the space shuttle, other derelict orbital hardware, the add-on cargo pod in two forms, and the ability to convert the derelict into a cost effective reusable item. The salvaged hardware is initially capable of contributing mass, length, interior volume, strongback, rotational stability mass, interior pressurized volumes, artificial gravity, and stability with the addition of simple subsystems for salvage, and interior development packages.

A system for, and method of recovering a solar-powered spacecraft from an anomaly that renders the attitude of the spacecraft unknown includes maintaining a power-safe attitude by switching between two orthogonal axes using solar panel current sensors. The system and method may also include simultaneously determining spacecraft attitude using a star sensor. The system is applicable to spacecraft operating in a solar wing-stowed configuration.

Power supply satellites may be launched to LEO and boosted to GEO using power generated on board from solar insolation. A cluster of power production satellites may be operated as a phased antenna array to deliver power to one or more ground-based facilities, which may be located in different time zones.

An autonomous navigation system for an orbital platform incorporating a global positioning system based navigation device optimized for low-Earth orbit and medium-Earth orbit applications including a 12 channel, GPS tracking application-specific integrated circuit (15) operating in concert with a computer system (90) implementing an extended Kalman filter and orbit propagator which autonomously generates estimates of position, velocity and time to enable planning, prediction and execution of event-based commanding of mission operations.

An iterative method enabling a request plan to be established for an observation satellite. A plan consists in a succession of requests which are associated with pluralities of opportunities for satisfying said requests. The plan must also comply with a plurality of constraints. Each iteration k of the iterative method is made up of the following steps:new opportunity is selected;a provisional plan is derived from the preceding plan k-1 as calculated in-the preceding iteration, and from the new opportunity;provisional plan is verified for compliance with said plurality of constraints;the quality of said provisional plan is evaluated; andit is determined whether the provisional plan should be confirmed as plan k as a function of the quality of said provisional plan and of the quality of said preceding plan k-1.In the method, it is decided whether or not to confirm the provisional plan by a probabilistic metaheuristic of the simulated annealing type, and by the rule for constructing the provisional plan as a function of the newly selected opportunity.

Capture devices are mounted on a space platform such as a spacecraft or utility satellite. Each capture device includes a folded capture net stored in a housing, guide weights connected to the net and received in spring-loaded ejection tubes oriented at an acute angle relative to the axis of the housing around the perimeter thereof, and a spring-loaded releasable cover that is connected to the net, covers the net in the housing, and holds the weights in the ejection tubes. When the cover is released, it is spring-ejected from the housing while pulling out and unfolding the net, and the weights are spring-ejected out of the ejection tubes while spreading out the net. After the net wraps around a free-flying target object in space, net closure mechanisms reel-in a net pursing line to close the net, which is connected to the space platform by a tether line on a winch.

Boeing achieves satellite diversity by having a large discrimination angle for a MEO constellation of communications satellites to limit interference in the Ku-band with GSO communications systems. Each satellite entering an exclusion zone over a GSO ground station terminates all transmissions to provide EPFD within acceptable limits. The Boeing MEO constellation preferably comprises 20 satellites, 5 in each orbit. The four orbits are inclined at about 57° with respect to the equator. Services include an Integrated Digital Service (IDS) and Backhaul Data Service (BDS) to accommodate the needs of different users.

The invention provides a configuration for a low-earth-orbit remote sensing satellite, which comprises a base plate, a middle plate, a top plate, a plurality of transverse lateral plates and upright lateral plates, wherein the base plate, the middle plate and the top plate are enclosed into a sealed space by the transverse lateral plates and the upright lateral plates; a central force-bearing cylinder is arranged in the sealed space; corresponding solar cell arrays are arranged on the two sides of the sealed space; a supporting rod is connected between the base plate and the middle plate; four isolating plates are uniformly distributed and are arranged between the middle plate and the top plate; a payload bay is connected above the top plate; and an overskirt is connected to the bottom of the base plate. The configuration for the low-earth-orbit remote sensing satellite has a stable structure, is capable of carrying a large-size and large-mass load, and is high in adaptability for the characteristics of large volume, heavy weight, high precision demand and difficulty in mounting of the present payload.

A configuration for a satellite constellation has a plurality of planes, each plane including a plurality of satellites therein, at least some of the planes situated at a different altitude than other of the planes. In some embodiments, all planes contain the same number of satellites; in some other embodiments, at least one plane includes a different number of satellites than the other planes in the constellation. In some embodiments, the satellites in each plane are evenly spaced.

A first satellite is placed practically directly by a launcher on a first final orbit. A second satellite is placed on the same launcher is initially transferred to a highly elliptical waiting orbit whose semi-major axis points to intercept the torus formed by the sphere of influence of the moon on its orbit, and then during a maneuver at the perigee of the highly elliptical orbit, the second satellite is transferred to lunar transfer orbit. Changes in the perigee altitude and the inclination of an intermediate orbit on which the second satellite is to be found are obtained mainly by gravitational reaction in the sphere of influence of the moon, and during a last maneuver, the second satellite is placed on a final orbit having orbital parameter values that are quite different from those of the orbital parameters of the first final orbit.