System and method for asynchronous autogenously pressurized in-space propulsion
US12065270B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2023 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/58
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for managing propellant and pressurant for in-space propulsion of a spacecraft is provided. The system includes a conformal fuel tank having an ullage operatively connected for pressurization and a propellant management device (PMD) to wick propellant to a liquid port of the conformal fuel tank. The system further includes a pneumatic circuit including a tank pressurant vent valve for adjustment of operating pressure prior to refueling operations; a vent to release excess pressurant; a pressurant metering vent valve to provide control and safety relief for the pressurant; a check valve to prevent backflow; a pressurant cat bed for decomposing propellant into pressurant; a repressurizing valve to release pressurant once cooled; a burst disk to provide overpressure safety relief; a series of propellant extraction valves to intake a predetermined quantity of propellant for decomposition; and a pressure regulator that delivers proper pressure to a series of thrusters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.