Satellite identification tag

US11763107B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SRI International · US

Inventors

• Samson Phan · Sunnyvale, US
• Leon Tao · San Francisco, US
• William Hoskins · Grover Beach, US
• Scott Gulkin · Folsom Junction, US
• Bryan Klofas · San Francisco, US
• Todd Koumrian · Palo Alto, US
• Michael Cousins · Granger, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 24, 2021
• Grant date: Sep 19, 2023
• Expiry date: Jun 24, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G3/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Small, low-cost satellite systems, like CubeSats or other microsatellites, can exhibit reduced reliability relative to higher-cost satellite systems. This can result in difficulty identifying, communicating with, and tracking such satellite systems when they fail. Provided herein are reliable, low-cost, low-energy, turn-key systems for identification and tracking of small satellites that can be readily added to a microsatellite with minimal integration costs and while occupying a minimal amount of volume, mass, and external area of the host satellite. These systems are electrically isolated from the satellite bus, being powered by internal batteries or other separate energy sources and providing reliable identification and tracking even when the other systems of the satellite have failed. These improved identification and tracking systems include space environment sensors to maintain the system in a very-low-power state while the system is in vehicle processing and transit on Earth, extending device lifetime and reducing cost and weight.