Spacecraft having electronic components as structural members and related methods
US10640237B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49002
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for partially or completely manufacturing a spacecraft in an extraterrestrial environment, thereby allowing the spacecraft to be transported from Earth in a form that is better able to withstand forces associated with a rocket launch and traversing Earth's atmosphere. Such a form may allow the spacecraft to be significantly smaller than it would need to be if it had to be in a completed form at the time of transportation. Two forms of spacecraft that may be built by such method are also disclosed. In an aspect, the disclosed devices may be configured to be manufactured, assembled, deployed, and utilized in a timely and efficient manner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.