System and method of energy and mass transfer in low-gravity environments
US12139276B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2022 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G5/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for transferring energy and mass (supplies) in low-gravity environments. The system comprises a launcher and a receiver. The launcher hurls a capsule at a high velocity such that, when caught by the receiver, a portion of the kinetic energy of the launched capsule is converted to potential energy and stored. The stored energy is used at the receiver end for applications such as living habitats, mining operations, life-support systems, etc. In some instances, a portion of the initial energy is used to lob the capsule back, if desired. Launchers and receivers can be set up in different spatial configurations in a low-gravity environment such as in a circle with a centrally located launcher, a launcher downstream of a chain of receivers, or other configurations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.