Reusable Rendezvous Vehicle for Spacecraft Logistics Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft systems for automated rendezvous and docking (AR&D) are costly and complex, requiring multiple systems and certifications, with high risks and mass concerns, and existing docking mechanisms are limited and costly to maintain, especially for logistics support to space platforms like the ISS.
Innovation Solution
A reusable Rendezvous and Docking Vehicle (RDV) with two docking mechanisms and a flight control system, capable of autonomous or remotely controlled operation, serves as an intermediate interface between logistics spacecraft and space platforms, reducing the need for AR&D capabilities on logistics spacecraft and preserving existing docking mechanisms by providing a standardized interface for different types of docking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If logistics spacecraft are equipped with full AR&D capabilities, then they can autonomously dock with space platforms, but the system complexity and certification requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AR&D capability from the logistics spacecraft and places it in a separate reusable vehicle. The logistics spacecraft only needs basic docking mechanisms, while the reusable vehicle contains the complex flight control and autonomous docking systems. This separation reduces the complexity and certification burden on logistics spacecraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable vehicle acts as an intermediary between the logistics spacecraft and the space platform. It performs the complex rendezvous and docking operations, then transfers the logistics spacecraft to the platform. This intermediary handles the complicated AR&D functions that would otherwise require full certification on each logistics spacecraft.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple docking mechanisms are maintained for different spacecraft types, then various spacecraft can dock with the space platform, but the cost and complexity of maintaining multiple mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable vehicle is designed with universal docking capabilities that can interface with multiple spacecraft types. It has a standardized interface that can accommodate different logistics spacecraft, eliminating the need for the space platform to maintain multiple specialized docking mechanisms for each spacecraft type.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable vehicle serves as an adapter or intermediary between various logistics spacecraft and the space platform. It translates between different docking interfaces and the platform's docking mechanism, allowing compatibility with multiple spacecraft types while the platform only needs to maintain one docking mechanism.
3Speed
If logistics spacecraft carry full propulsive systems for orbital maneuvering, then they can perform independent orbital changes, but the mass and cost of the spacecraft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the orbital maneuvering propulsive systems from the logistics spacecraft and places them in the reusable vehicle. The logistics spacecraft become lightweight cargo carriers without heavy engines, while the reusable vehicle contains the propulsion systems needed for orbital transfers and rendezvous operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to deliver crew, cargo and other logistics services to space platforms. In one embodiment, a rendezvous and docking vehicle (RDV) comprises two docking mechanisms coupled to the RDV body. A pressurizable passageway connects the docking mechanisms. In one embodiment, the two docking mechanisms are different. An alternative embodiment comprises docking mechanisms which are the same. Also included is a flight control system. The flight control system may vary between embodiments, being autonomous, automated, or remotely controlled (e.g., remote pilot). One embodiment can also include a docking control system in the RDV. A propulsion system is coupled to the RDV in some embodiments, and the RDV may be augmented by a mated spacecraft's propulsion system in other embodiments. The mated spacecraft's propulsion system may even be under the control of the RDV.