Spacecraft servicing devices and related assemblies, systems, and methods

A spacecraft servicing system, comprising a host spacecraft carrying spacecraft servicing devices 180, where the host will transport a device to a location adjacent to a target spacecraft. The device does not have a propulsion system, and comprises a body to which a propellant tank configured to hol...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Guadagnoli, Daniel, Nicholson, James Garret, Meyer, Thomas Fred
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 23.02.2024
Subjects
AIRCRAFT
AVIATION
COSMONAUTICS
PERFORMING OPERATIONS
TRANSPORTING
VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
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Summary:A spacecraft servicing system, comprising a host spacecraft carrying spacecraft servicing devices 180, where the host will transport a device to a location adjacent to a target spacecraft. The device does not have a propulsion system, and comprises a body to which a propellant tank configured to hold at least one propellant and to be in fluid communication with the fuel system of the target spacecraft, and a coupling device 184 to couple it to a target spacecraft. After the device couples to the target spacecraft, the host decouples from the device and propellant from the tank is supplied to the target spacecraft's propulsion system bypassing its fluid storage. The host continues deploying other devices to other target spacecraft. The device enables alteration of the orbit, velocity or momentum of the target spacecraft providing enhanced mission flexibility and extends the target spacecraft's life.
Bibliography:Application Number: NZ20180761087