Distributed Space Tug Network for Satellite Orbit Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods of space access and transportation are unsustainable due to complex trade-offs between cost, time to market, scalability, and other factors, particularly for reusable space tugs and last mile alternatives in satellite launches.
Innovation Solution
A distributed in-space transportation network is proposed, which includes launching space tugs to orbits beyond Earth's atmosphere, determining flight missions, maneuvering and docking space tugs with satellites, and using propulsion from space tugs to move satellites to their final destinations, with the option of refueling and repairing space tugs in orbit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reusable space tugs are deployed for last mile transportation, then scalability and cost-effectiveness improve, but complex coordination and mission planning are required
Solution Approach 1:
The space transportation system is segmented into independent reusable space tugs that operate autonomously in orbit. Each tug is a self-contained unit with its own propulsion, navigation, and docking capabilities, allowing parallel operations without interfering with each other. This segmentation enables scalability while managing coordination complexity through modular independence.
Solution Approach 2:
Space tugs are launched into orbit and positioned in advance to await satellite arrivals. Fuel is pre-positioned in orbital depots before needed. This preliminary positioning allows tugs to be ready for immediate operation when satellites arrive, improving scalability while reducing real-time coordination demands during actual launch operations.
2Productivity
If dedicated tugs are used for each satellite, then transportation efficiency improves, but hardware duplication and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The space tugs are designed as universal, multi-functional vehicles that can service multiple different satellites for various missions. A single tug can repeatedly transport different payloads to different destinations, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each mission. This universality maintains high transportation efficiency while avoiding hardware duplication and associated mass increases.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding dedicated tug hardware after each mission, the reusable tugs are recovered and prepared for subsequent missions. The tugs return to orbital depots to refuel and are then redeployed, allowing the same hardware mass to be reused multiple times, thereby avoiding the cumulative mass penalty of creating new dedicated hardware for each satellite.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger rockets are used to reach far-away orbits, then satellite deployment capability improves, but cost and technological challenge increase
Solution Approach 1:
The journey to far-away orbits is segmented into two independent phases: (1) launch to initial orbit using conventional rockets, and (2) transfer to final destination using reusable space tugs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - rockets for launch capability and tugs for efficient orbital transfer - reducing overall technological complexity while maintaining versatile deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable space tug acts as an intermediary vehicle between the launch rocket and the final satellite destination. The rocket delivers the satellite and tug to initial orbit, then the tug mediates the transfer to the final far-away orbit. This intermediary approach allows conventional rockets to be used for launch while achieving complex orbital transfers that would otherwise require overly complex single-stage rockets.
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
This approach enables efficient, scalable, and cost-effective space transportation by optimizing key parameters such as access to space, fuel expenditure, and vehicle depreciation, while improving coordination and management of in-space actors.
Implementation Method 1
maneuvering the docked satellite to a destination in space, using the propulsion provided from the space tug
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for a distributed space transportation network. Satellite launches to orbit are more efficiently performed by large rockets. Modern satellites are in smaller form factor, leaving the large launch rockets with excess capacity. Small satellite operators can use ride-shares, but do not have efficient options for delivering their satellites to their desired destination and may be forced to operate their satellites in compromise orbits. The disclosed distributed space transportation network maintains a fleet of space tugs, which can dock with satellites in space at an initial arrival destination and transport the satellites to their final destinations. In one embodiment, the space tugs can dock with satellite depots to obtain fuel and repairs.