Robotic Satellite Refueling System for Unprepared Geosynchronous Satellites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite refueling technologies are unable to access and refuel unprepared geosynchronous communication satellites, as they were not designed for robotic servicing, posing challenges in accessing fuel systems due to protective thermal blankets, lockwires, and valve configurations.
Innovation Solution
A robotic satellite refueling system equipped with a positioning mechanism, such as a robotic arm, and specialized tools for accessing and manipulating fuel fill valves, including thermal blanket cutters, cap removal tools, and valve actuation mechanisms, allowing for remote and autonomous refueling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellites are designed with protective thermal blankets and lockwires on fuel valves, then fuel system protection and security are improved, but robotic access and manipulation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-modifying satellites during manufacturing to include robotic access features. Specifically, thermal blankets are pre-positioned with access openings, and valve protection structures are pre-configured with robotic manipulation interfaces. This allows the fuel system to maintain its protective features while enabling future robotic refueling operations without requiring complex removal procedures for thermal blankets and lockwires.
2Ease of manufacture
If satellites are designed for single-use fuel filling before launch, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability for on-orbit refueling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing fuel valve systems that serve dual purposes: they function as standard sealed valves for pre-launch fueling while simultaneously incorporating robotic access interfaces for on-orbit refueling. The valve architecture includes standardized ports and manipulation features that allow both traditional ground-based fueling procedures and robotic refueling operations, making the satellite adaptable to multiple fueling scenarios without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If complex tool operations are required for valve access (cutting thermal blankets, removing lockwires, unthreading caps), then fuel system security is improved, but mission complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing specialized robotic end-effectors that serve as mediators between the robotic system and the fuel valve. These end-effectors are equipped with integrated tools and mechanisms that can simultaneously perform multiple functions: cutting thermal blankets, removing lockwires, and manipulating valve caps. By consolidating these operations into a single robotic interface, the system maintains valve access security while significantly reducing the complexity of individual tool operations and streamlining the overall refueling process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refueling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refueling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft or space station in which the refueling satellite is ferried into space in the case of the larger space craft or it may be stored on the space station until needed from which it can be launched. The system includes a robotic arm, suitable tools which can be affixed to the end effector of the robotic arm required for accessing, opening and closing the fuel fill valve on the satellite being serviced, storage and retrieval stations on a tool caddy on which the tools and various fuel fill valve caps are stored. The system is under teleoperation by a remotely located operator, for example located on earth, in the mother station or in the space station. Cameras are included focussed on the robotic arm and end effector and images are transmitted to the operator to allow the operator to direct and control the refueling procedure. The system may also be configured to be operated autonomously under computer control.