In orbit space transportation and recovery system

Patent 7070151 Issued on July 4, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date:

January 9, 2024. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Assignee

IOSTAR Corporation

Application

No. 10755200 filed on 01/09/2004

US Classes:

244/171.1, With propulsion244/172.4, Rendezvous or docking244/171.7, With shield or other protective means (e.g., meteorite shield, insulation, radiation/plasma shield)244/172.2With fuel system details

Examiners

Primary: Swiatek, Robert P.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Foreign Patent References

2 040 445 RU 07/01/1995

International Classes

B64G 1/10
B64G 1/40
B64G 1/64
B64G 1/54

Abstract

An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

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