Stacked spacecraft launch and orbit raising
US12286243B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2023 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/643
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Technology for orbit raising of multiple spacecraft launched with a single launch vehicle. Two or more spacecraft are configured in a stacked launch configuration in which a lower spacecraft is mechanically coupled with a payload adapter of a launch vehicle with one or more upper spacecraft above the lower spacecraft. Propellant that is stored in the lower spacecraft during launch is transferred to an upper spacecraft in the stack after launch. The propellent may be used by the upper spacecraft for an orbit raising maneuver that raises the orbit of at least the upper spacecraft from a first orbit to a second orbit. Storing the propellant in the lower spacecraft lowers the center of mass of the stack during launch. Lowering the center of mass reduces the structural bending moment of the stack during launch, which allows a greater total launch mass.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.