Method and apparatus for supplying orbital space platforms using payload canisters via intermediate orbital rendezvous and docking
원문보기
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
B64G-001/10
B64G-001/00
출원번호
US-0748527
(2003-12-29)
등록번호
US-7387279
(2008-06-17)
발명자
/ 주소
Anderman,David
Muniz, Jr.,Benigno
출원인 / 주소
Constellation Services International, Inc.
대리인 / 주소
Albert,Philip H.
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
6인용 특허 :
12
초록▼
In a space platform supply system, a canister containing supply for a space platform is launched into orbit using a launch vehicle. An intermediate space vehicle rendezvous and docks with the canister while the attached launch vehicle provides the necessary orbit maintenance and stabilization to en
In a space platform supply system, a canister containing supply for a space platform is launched into orbit using a launch vehicle. An intermediate space vehicle rendezvous and docks with the canister while the attached launch vehicle provides the necessary orbit maintenance and stabilization to enable the docking. After docking, the intermediate space vehicle detaches the canister from the launch vehicle element or the launch vehicle element may initiate detachment from the intermediate space vehicle/canister. In either event, the intermediate space vehicle then can provide propulsion and attitude control to allow the canister to be transported to and docked with the space platform being supplied, thus eliminating the need for the canister to include propulsion and attitude control of its own.
대표청구항▼
What is claimed is: 1. A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising: an internal space for containing supply material; at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two docking elements, wherein the supply canister is configured to obtain at least one of orbital stabilit
What is claimed is: 1. A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising: an internal space for containing supply material; at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two docking elements, wherein the supply canister is configured to obtain at least one of orbital stability, for stabilizing the supply canister against rotation while in orbit, and propulsion from one or both of the docking elements, wherein each of the two docking elements are in orbit independent of the launch of the supply canister, the two docking ports configured to allow the supply canister to be driven by one of the docking elements into position for docking to the other of the docking elements; and electrical interconnects for connecting a supply canister electrical system with an electrical system of a docking element docked at a docking port of the supply canister or to be docked to a docking port of the supply canister, wherein the supply canister is adapted to be propelled by a propulsion system present in orbit independent of the launch of the supply canister. 2. The supply canister of claim 1, wherein the supply canister is an unpressurized canister. 3. The supply canister of claim 1, wherein the supply canister is a pressurized canister. 4. The supply canister of claim 1, wherein the supply canister is approximately cylindrical and is shaped to support pressurization without concentrated stress points. 5. The supply canister of claim 1, wherein the supply canister is approximately cylindrical and the at least two docking ports include one docking port at a first axial location of an approximate cylinder and a second docking port at a second axial location opposite the first axial location. 6. The supply canister of claim 1, further comprising a power subsystem for supplying power to canister components. 7. The supply canister of claim 1, further comprising a communication subsystem for communicating with docking elements docked to a docking port of the supply canister or to be docked to a docking port of the supply canister. 8. A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising: an internal space for containing supply material; and at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two docking elements, including a first docking port at a first axial location of an approximate cylinder that is a Cone docking port and a second docking port at a second axial location opposite the first axial location that is a Probe docking port, the two docking ports configured to allow the supply canister to be driven by one of the docking elements into position for docking to the other of the docking elements; wherein the supply canister is configured to obtain at least one of orbital stability, for stabilizing the supply canister against rotation while in orbit, and propulsion from one or both of the docking elements, wherein each of the two docking elements providing propulsion to the supply canister is an orbital element present in orbit independent of the launch of the supply canister. 9. A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising: an internal space for containing supply material; at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two docking elements, including a first docking port that is a Cone docking port and a second docking port that is a Probe docking port, wherein the supply canister is adapted to be docked to an intermediate space vehicle at the Cone docking port and one or both of a launch vehicle and a powered space platform at the Probe docking port simultaneously, the two docking ports configured to allow the supply canister to be driven by one of the docking elements into position for docking to the other of the docking elements; wherein the supply canister is configured to obtain at least one of orbital stability, for stabilizing the supply canister against rotation while in orbit, and propulsion from one or both of the docking elements, wherein each of the two docking elements providing propulsion to the supply canister is an orbital element present in orbit independent of the launch of the supply canister.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (12)
Johnson Caldwell C. (Dickinson TX) Faget Maxime A. (Dickinson TX), Apparatus and method for docking spacecraft.
Anderman, David; Muniz, Benigno, Method and apparatus for supplying orbital space platforms using payload canisters via intermediate orbital rendezvous and docking.
Allen, Andrew; Lymer, John; Spring, Kerry; Ravindran, Rangaswamy, Propellant transfer system and method for resupply of fluid propellant to on-orbit spacecraft.
Allen, Andrew; Lymer, John; Spring, Kerry; Ravindran, Rangaswamy, Propellant transfer system and method for resupply of propellant to on-orbit spacecraft.
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