Disposable Spacecraft Servicing Pod With Reusable Carrier Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft servicing technologies are either cost-prohibitive and provide a variety of reliable servicing options or lack the necessary robustness and versatility for effective maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A spacecraft servicing device comprising a body deployable from a carrier spacecraft, with thruster assemblies for orbit and momentum adjustments, docking mechanisms, and servicing components to perform operations on target spacecraft, allowing transport to and from geosynchronous orbit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional servicing spacecraft are used, then reliable and robust servicing operations can be performed, but the cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the servicing system into two segments: a reusable carrier spacecraft that performs rendezvous and docking, and a disposable pod that performs the actual servicing operations. This segmentation allows the expensive, complex carrier to be reused while the simpler, cheaper pod is discarded after single use, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining reliability through the robust carrier platform
Solution Approach 2:
The pod is designed as a disposable, single-use component that is launched attached to the carrier spacecraft, transferred to the target spacecraft, and then discarded after completing its servicing mission. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex recovery and reuse systems on the servicing component itself, reducing manufacturing cost while the reliable carrier spacecraft provides the robust platform needed for successful operations
2Ease of manufacture
If simpler, lower cost servicing options are used, then cost is reduced, but the device lacks robustness and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier spacecraft is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple functions: it can service multiple different target spacecraft, perform various types of servicing operations by attaching different pods, and operate in different orbital environments. This multi-functionality is achieved through a standardized docking interface and modular pod system, providing versatility without requiring each individual component to be complex
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture separates the versatile, reusable carrier spacecraft from the simpler, disposable pod. The carrier contains the complex, versatile systems for navigation, docking, and mission planning, while the pod contains only the specific servicing tools needed for its designated task. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high versatility through the carrier while keeping individual pod components simple and cost-effective
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective and reliable servicing operations such as component repair, refueling, and orbit maintenance, extending spacecraft life without the high costs associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a thruster assembly configured to transport the pod from the initial orbit to the geosynchronous orbit
Implementation Method 2
a docking mechanism configured to secure the pod to the target spacecraft
Data Source
AI summary
Spacecraft servicing devices or pods and related methods may be configured to be deployed from a carrier spacecraft and include at least one spacecraft servicing component configured to perform at least one servicing operation on the target spacecraft. The spacecraft servicing devices may be configured to be transported from an initial orbit to another orbit after the spacecraft servicing device is deployed from the carrier spacecraft.