Asymmetric thruster gimbal configuration
US10464694B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/411
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spacecraft includes at least a first thruster support mechanism (TSM) and a second TSM, each TSM including a pointing arrangement, an elongated structural member and thruster for performing orbit raising north-south stationkeeping, east-west stationkeeping, and momentum management. A first pointing arrangement is articulable only by way of first and second revolute joints, the first revolute joint being rotatable about a first axis fixed with respect to the spacecraft. The second pointing arrangement is articulable only by way of third and fourth revolute joints, the third revolute joint being rotatable about a third axis fixed with respect to the spacecraft. The first axis and the third axis are asymmetrically arranged with respect to a spacecraft coordinate system origin such that the first and third axis are at acute angles to a spacecraft pitch axis and the acute angle of the first axis is less than that of the third axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.