Space based robotic assembly of a modular reflector
US10730643B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G2004/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spacecraft includes a main body structure and a plurality of deployable modular reflector elements, the spacecraft being reconfigurable from a launch configuration to an on-orbit configuration. In the launch configuration, the modular reflector elements are disposed in a storage system that includes an arrangement for supporting the modular reflector elements with respect to dynamic launch loads. In the on-orbit configuration, in some implementations, an assembly of the plurality of modular reflector elements forms a large-aperture, offset fed, reflector, the reflector being coupled with a boom or yoke with the main body structure by way of a two or three axis positioning mechanism configured to steer the reflector with respect to the main body structure. In some implementations, in the on-orbit configuration, the plurality of modular reflector elements are assembled to form a large aperture reflective surface that is self-supporting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.