Modular Orbital Transfer Vehicles for Satellite Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Access to space through rocket launch is bottlenecked by schedule, volume, mass, and cost, and existing spacecraft propulsion systems are inefficient for in-space transportation and satellite repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable orbital transfer system using a rendezvous vehicle and locomotive vehicle, both utilizing ammonia propellant, to transfer space articles between orbits, enabling precise maneuvers and refueling capabilities without modifying customer spacecraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rocket launch is used for space access, then space articles can be delivered to orbit, but schedule, volume, mass, and cost are bottlenecked
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the orbital transfer function into two independent vehicles: a rendezvous vehicle for precise satellite capture and a locomotive vehicle for orbital transfer. This segmentation allows parallel operations where the rendezvous vehicle can capture multiple satellites while the locomotive vehicle performs transfers, thereby increasing overall productivity and reducing scheduling bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The rendezvous vehicle performs preliminary actions by capturing and holding satellites in a staging orbit before the locomotive vehicle is ready for transfer. This preliminary capture capability allows the system to prepare multiple satellites for transfer simultaneously, improving launch throughput and schedule flexibility without requiring immediate rocket launches.
2Speed
If existing spacecraft propulsion systems are used, then satellites can be repositioned, but in-space transportation efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The locomotive vehicle serves as an intermediary propulsion system that provides efficient in-space thrust for orbital transfers. Instead of relying on satellite onboard propulsion systems which are inefficient for large delta-v maneuvers, the locomotive vehicle's dedicated propulsion system performs the energy-intensive orbital transfer while the satellite remains passive, dramatically improving propulsion efficiency and transfer speed.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-use in-space transportation systems are used, then simplicity is achieved, but recurring build costs and cumulative launch costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements recoverability by designing the locomotive vehicle to return to a designated orbit after completing its transfer mission. The locomotive can then be refueled and reused for subsequent transfers, while the rendezvous vehicle is discarded after its capture mission. This selective recovery approach reduces recurring build costs and cumulative launch costs while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locomotive vehicle is designed as a universal platform capable of transferring multiple different satellites to various orbital destinations. This multi-functionality allows a single locomotive to service multiple missions, reducing the need for multiple specialized vehicles and thereby lowering recurring build costs and improving cost effectiveness.
4Productivity
If in-space transportation systems are made reusable, then cost reduction is enabled, but system complexity increases due to refueling and rendezvous requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the refueling function into a dedicated dispenser vehicle that operates independently from the locomotive. The dispenser vehicle delivers propellant to the locomotive in a standardized refueling operation, simplifying the refueling infrastructure compared to integrated designs. This segmentation reduces device complexity while maintaining reusability of the locomotive vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The locomotive vehicle is equipped with self-contained refueling capabilities, including propellant transfer interfaces and onboard storage. The vehicle can autonomously receive propellant from the dispenser and manage its own fueling operations without requiring complex external refueling infrastructure, thereby reducing system complexity while enabling reusability.
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 efficient and cost-effective transfer of space articles between orbits, reducing launch costs and enhancing satellite operations by allowing reusable and scalable in-space transportation systems.
Implementation Method 1
both utilizing ammonia propellant, to transfer space articles between orbits, enabling precise maneuvers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
A modular and scalable system to transfer space articles between space orbits. In one embodiment, the system employs a rendezvous vehicle which docks with a space article in an initial orbit, the connected stack then docking with a locomotive vehicle which maneuvers to a targeted orbit where the space article is detached. In one feature, the rendezvous vehicle and locomotive vehicle use a common propellant and the space article is a satellite.