Method and system for transferring a satellite from an initial orbit into a mission orbit
US10513352B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/411
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for transferring a satellite from an initial orbit into a mission orbit. The method includes anchoring to the satellite of an external unit having a tank containing a reserve of propellants. The system includes an autonomous spacecraft having an electric propulsion module and a small internal reserve of propellants, located in a parking orbit close to the initial orbit. The spacecraft with the external unit attached to the satellite is docketed in an initial orbit, to produce a fluidic connection of the propellant tank of the external unit to the propulsion module of the spacecraft. The external unit and satellite is transferred into the mission orbit by the electric propulsion module of the spacecraft supplied with propellants directly from the external unit, thereby releasing the satellite into the mission orbit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.