Multiple thruster firing on a single articulable module
US11155368B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 2018 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spacecraft includes a propulsion subsystem including at least two electric thrusters, an electrical interface assembly that couples electrical conductors from the thrusters to a spacecraft harness, a pneumatic interface assembly that controls flow rate of propellant to the thrusters and a thruster support module (TSM) including a pointing arrangement and a mounting arrangement. A proximal portion of the mounting arrangement is coupled with a distal portion of the pointing arrangement; the at least two electric thrusters are disposed on a distal portion of the mounting arrangement; the electrical interface assembly and the pneumatic interface assembly are disposed on the proximal portion of the mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement is configured to limit heat transfer between the thrusters and (b) one or more of the proximal portion of the mounting arrangement, the electrical interface assembly and the pneumatic interface assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.