Active on orbit fluid propellant management and refueling systems and methods
US12012233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/58
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Chemical propellant storage and supply systems and methods for use on spacecraft are provided. The systems and methods include a fluid pump for moving chemical propellant within the system at selected pressures. This can include operating the fluid pump to supply propellant to a thruster system at a selected pressure. A fuel tank can be refilled by connecting a propellant resupply source to the system, and operating the fluid pump to move propellant from the propellant resupply source to the fuel tank. In a system with multiple fuel tanks, the fluid pump can be operated to move propellant from a donor fuel tank to a recipient fuel tank. The chemical propellant can be stored in one or more fuel tanks at a relatively low pressure. In addition, the chemical propellant is not pressurized by a gaseous pressurant while it is stored in the fuel tank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.