In-situ resource preparation and utilization methods
US11285664B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
22References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods of collecting in-situ materials on a celestial body for return to Earth or another location and associated devices are described. These devices and methods facilitate collection of samples and creation of portions of the return spacecraft via an additive manufacturing device contained within the lander craft. The additive manufacturing device is configured to produce portions of the return spacecraft (e.g., sample return container, spacecraft structure, heat shield) and may also be configured to place samples within the spacecraft for return and analysis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.