Optics and structure for space applications
US11643930B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2021 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transportation network for providing propellant in space can include optical mining vehicles that concentrate solar energy to spall captured asteroids, capture released volatiles, and store them in reservoirs as propellants. The network can also have orbital transfer vehicles that use solar thermal rocket modules that focus solar energy on heat exchangers to force propellant through nozzles, as well as separable aeromaneuvering tanker modules with reusable heatshields and storage tanks. The network can have propellant depots positioned between Earth and a transport destination. The depots can mechanically couple to accept propellant delivery and to supply it to visiting space vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.