Method of recovery of optical fiber expended during launch of a spacecraft into low earth orbit using a non-line-of-sight optical power transfer system
US12210192B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N10/13
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of recovery of optical fiber expended during a parabolic launch trajectory of a spacecraft is disclosed. An optical fiber adapted for transmission of high optical energy sufficient to launch the spacecraft is connected at one end to the spacecraft and is released during launching of the spacecraft. The optical fiber expended from the spacecraft is then engaged by a drum spooler following launch of the spacecraft and the fiber has been fully spooled out by the spacecraft. The optical fiber is then reeled in prior to the fiber contacting the Earth. The recovered optical fiber is then collected for processing, cleaning and rewinding for future use of subsequent series of launches for as many times as possible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.