Apparatus and methods for creating artificial near-earth orbits
US10543939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G9/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An orbiting satellite can be maintained in a virtual orbit, having an orbital period equal to the natural orbit of a satellite at a different altitude, by equipping the satellite with at least one radial thruster. Radial thrusters on the anti-nadir-facing side of the satellite allow for virtual orbits higher than the natural altitude, while radial thrusters on the nadir-facing side of the satellite allow for virtual orbits lower than the natural altitude. This allows a satellite to evade threats, such as orbital debris and/or hostile spacecraft, without losing its relative position within a satellite constellation or experiencing the diminished services often attendant such maneuvers. Similar techniques can also be used for surveillance of orbiting satellites.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.