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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 8146867 | Modular spacecraft design architecture A spacecraft architecture and accompanying standard allows for the creation of a spacecraft using an assortment of modules that comply with the standard. The standard preferably includes both mechanical and electrical compatibility criteria. To assure physical/mecha... | 04/03/2012 |
| 8096512 | Payload modules A plurality of sufficient closely-packed functional units which are interconnected to form a non-planar payload module assembly 40. Advantageously, the payload modular structure 40 is compact with few piece parts, has low output losses, and is robust e... | 01/17/2012 |
| 8047473 | Connecting node and method for constructing a connecting node A connecting node comprises a polyhedral structure comprising a plurality of panels joined together at its side edges to form a spherical approximation, wherein at least one of the plurality of panels comprises a faceted surface being constructed with a passage for ... | 11/01/2011 |
| 7309049 | Orbital debris shield An orbital debris shield for protecting the hull of a spacecraft. The shield is comprised of a number of flexible and releasably attached gores that substantially cover the hull. Interleafed between layers of the gores are layers of a spacing material. As debris col... | 12/18/2007 |
| 7295884 | System and method of designing a load bearing layer of an inflatable vessel A computer-implemented method is provided for designing a restraint layer of an inflatable vessel. The restraint layer is inflatable from an initial uninflated configuration to an inflated configuration and is constructed from a plurality of interfacing longitudinal... | 11/13/2007 |
| 7254936 | Simple solid propellant rocket engine and super-staged rocket A solid propellant rocket engine includes: a propellant formed into a predetermined shape having a combustion cavity and capable of deflagrating into hot, high-pressure gas upon ignition; and a nozzle configured and positioned to expand the hot, high-pressure gas in... | 08/14/2007 |
| 7240879 | Method and associated apparatus for capturing, servicing and de-orbiting earth satellites using robotics This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite u... | 07/10/2007 |
| 7219859 | Multipurpose modular spacecraft A reentry vehicle includes a nose section, a modular section comprised of two or more connected modules, a flared section. The nose section is connected to a first end of the modular section, and the flared section is positioned proximate a second end of the modular... | 05/22/2007 |
| 7195206 | Apparatus and method for servicing and inspecting small free-flying platforms in orbit in space A small, substantially spherical, free-flying utility platform for use in space can be docked, inspected and serviced in an apparatus including a container with a chamber therein mounted on the outside of a space vehicle or space station. A motorized closing mechani... | 03/27/2007 |
| 7191984 | Thermal design for spacecraft modules A thermal management system for a spacecraft module includes a baseplate and wall system that is precharacterized to provide a given level of thermal performance regardless of an orientation of the spacecraft relative to a source of solar energy. The system is chara... | 03/20/2007 |
| 7178763 | Passive deployment mechanism for space tethers Mechanism for passively deploying expendable space tethers on orbit, by means of an initial separation impulse only, provided by a simple spring system that is part of the mechanism itself. The passive deployment of the space tether and a tethered end-mass is provid... | 02/20/2007 |
| 7163179 | Commercial service platform in space Affordable commercial service platforms in space focusing on customer affordability, quality microgravity services, innovation and combining five emerging space technologies. The invention provides an integrated approach to microgravity services in orbit. First, the... | 01/16/2007 |
| 7156348 | Platform and system for propellant tank storage and transfer in space A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space includes frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in storage positions, and transfer mechanisms configured to transfer propellant tanks to and from the storage positions. The pla... | 01/02/2007 |
| 7118077 | Platform and system for mass storage and transfer in space A platform for storage and transfer of payloads in space includes a plate for supporting a payload, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the payload to and from the plate. A groove extends diametrically between two edges of the plate for receiving a rail provid... | 10/10/2006 |
| 7114682 | System and method for transportation and storage of cargo in space A system for transportation and storage of cargo in space includes one or more platforms. The platforms are operable to hold multiple removable propellant tanks and rendezvous with one or more other platforms in space. The platforms also include one or more thruster... | 10/03/2006 |
| 7062363 | Refinement of spacecraft angular velocity and attitude estimates using star data A method and apparatus for refining a spacecraft state estimate, such as an attitude estimate or an angular velocity estimate, is disclosed. The method computes a plurality equations using residuals describing the difference between observed star positions and predi... | 06/13/2006 |
| 4867395 | Flat end cap module for space transportation systems A module incorporating at least one flat end cap is positioned within the payload of the Space Shuttle or other space vehicle to enhance the capabilities of the payload area. The flat end cap reduces the required volume in the launch vehicle to be occupie... | 09/19/1989 |
| 4848705 | Modular space vehicle for deep space applications A modular space vehicle comprises a main tetrahedral propulsion unit with individual drive engines located at each corner of the tetrahedron forming the main unit. The engines are pivotably mounted so as to enable the direction of the thrust produced ther... | 07/18/1989 |
| 4834325 | Modular spacecraft system A modular spacecraft system adapted for orbital flight is capable of expansion by the connection of at least two substantially identical spacecraft modules, each of which is capable of independent operation. Each spacecraft module comprises a spacecraft b... | 05/30/1989 |
| 4807834 | Space station architecture, module, berthing hub, shell assembly, berthing mechanism and utility connection channel A space station (20) includes a plurality of modules (24) and berthing hubs (22), joined by interconnections (26) which are sideways connectable. The modules (24) and hubs (22) are fastened together in a triangular configuration in three dimensions. The i... | 02/28/1989 |
| 4792108 | Space station This invention relates to space stations and particularly to a novel station composed of structural elements for a complete station adapted in their entirety to be launched in a single voyage as cargo in the hold of a present-day space shuttle, for exampl... | 12/20/1988 |
| 4757767 | Mobile remote manipulator system for a tetrahedral truss A mobile platform (B) for transit about a working face (51) of a truss. The truss has a grid of node guide pins (54) having stationary sprockets (54D). The platform (B) has a rail system (52) comprised of transversely disposed T-shaped tracks (60), direct... | 07/19/1988 |
| 4744533 | Modular space station A modular space station having a central enclosed area is erected in earth orbit from modules transported by a reusable space shuttle or an expendable rocket. A plurality of modules are peripherally joined in a pattern enclosing a central interior area. I... | 05/17/1988 |
| 4730797 | Inflatable core orbital construction method and space station An economical method for constructing large continuous-walled structures in orbit is presented. In this method a lightweight, non-elastic, topologically closed inflatable surface with thin flexible walls is transported to orbit where it is inflated to for... | 03/15/1988 |
| 4728060 | Space station architecture, module, berthing hub, shell assembly, berthing mechanism and utility connection channel A space station (20) includes a plurality of modules (24) and berthing hubs (22), joined by interconnections (26) which are sideways connectable. The modules (24) and hubs (22) are fastened together in a triangular configuration in three dimensions. The i... | 03/01/1988 |
| 4715566 | Interconnectable space station module and space station formed therewith A plurality of manned space station modules are interconnected via end caps into a variety of space station configurations without need for dedicated interconnect modules. Each module preferably comprises an elongated module body, end caps mounted to resp... | 12/29/1987 |
| 4642948 | Tension retention anchorage An apparatus comprising only tension-bearing members serves to interconnect first and second bodies and carry both tension and compressive forces between the bodies. A first tension-bearing member, such as a cable, is connected between first and second po... | 02/17/1987 |
| 4633566 | Apparatus and method for constructing and disassembling a truss structure Apparatus and method for constructing and disassembling a triangular prism-form truss structure in spaced are disclosed. The apparatus includes a triangular prism-form construction fixture and three feed units disposed about the fixture for feeding the tr... | 01/06/1987 |
| 4579302 | Shuttle-launch triangular space station A triangular space station deployable in orbit. The framework is comprised of three trusses, formed of a pair of generally planar faces comprised of foldable struts which expand and lock into rigid structural engagement forming a repetition of equilateral... | 04/01/1986 |
| 4562979 | Expandable spacecraft An expandable spacecraft is provided which includes at least one main generally cylindrical body member. This body member comprises a generally waffle-type structure which includes a plurality of flanges extending generally radially from the body member. ... | 01/07/1986 |
| 4395004 | Modular spacecraft structures Spacecraft structures which are suitable for mounting within the bay of a space shuttle. Each structure comprises a plurality of modules, each module in the form of a truss network, these networks being secured to one another. Electronic payloads, thruste... | 07/26/1983 |
| 4384692 | Satellite system configuration A new satellite system configuration is comprised of a power module with rigidly attached solar arrays and a control module including a sun pointing unit, an earth pointing unit and a rotary interface. The power module is attached to one face of the sun p... | 05/24/1983 |
| 4259821 | Lightweight structural columns Lightweight half-lengths of columns for truss structures that are adapted for nestable storage and transport to facilitate fabrication of large area truss structures at a remote site and particularly adaptable for space applications.... | 04/07/1981 |
| 4132373 | Manned space flight body A manned space flight body comprises a cylindrical shell and a shelf construction built into the axially extending, elongated cell defined by the shell. The shelf construction has a shape resembling a hollow prism and is comprised of a plurality of indivi... | 01/02/1979 |
| 4122991 | Apparatus for assembling space structure An apparatus for producing a structure in outer space from rolls of prepunched ribbon or sheet material that are transported from the earth to the apparatus located in outer space. The apparatus spins the space structure similar to a spider spinning a web... | 10/31/1978 |
| 4057207 | Space vehicle module The module, following the geometry of joined truncated icosahedra, is designed to provide, when a plurality of them are joined to form a space vehicle, at least a subsistence environment for terrestrial life, including a centrifugally induced artificial g... | 11/08/1977 |
