Directing light for thermal and power applications in space
US12404042B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2023 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Solar collectors can provide power for electricity, thermal propulsion, and material processing (e.g., mining asteroids). In one aspect, a rocket propulsion system is configured to produce thrust for a spacecraft and includes: one or more optical elements configured to receive solar energy. The optical elements include: a first window configured to allow energy to enter the rocket propulsion system and form a concentrated energy beam, and a second window positioned to allow the concentrated energy beam to pass to the heat exchanger. The second window is spaced away from the first window to form a pressurized plenum chamber therebetween. The system further includes: a heat exchanger configured to receive the energy and use it to heat and pressurize a propulsion gas, and a rocket nozzle configured to expel the pressurized propulsion gas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.