In-situ resource preparation and utilization methods
US10307970B2 · kind B2 · utility
9Cited by
0References
17Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods of collecting in-situ materials on a celestial body for return to Earth or another location and associated devices are described. These devices and methods facilitate collection of samples and creation of portions of the return spacecraft via an additive manufacturing device contained within the lander craft. The additive manufacturing device is configured to produce portions of the return spacecraft (e.g., sample return container, spacecraft structure, heat shield) and may also be configured to place samples within the spacecraft for return and analysis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.