Ion thruster support and positioning system
US5738308A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/26
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for supporting and selectively positioning an ion thruster (12) relative to a surface (14) of a spacecraft includes three angularly spaced thruster support assemblies (16, 17, 18). Each thruster support assembly includes a frame (20) which has a rotary actuator (42) mounted thereon. The rotary actuator is connected to an actuator member (36) which is rotatably connected to a thruster attachment member (19) connected to a body of the thruster. A stabilizer member (30) is rotatably mounted to the frame and to the thruster attachment member. The thruster is selectively movable in the pitch and yaw directions responsive to movement of the actuator members by the actuators on the thruster support assemblies. A failure of any one actuator on a thruster support assembly will generally still enable limited thruster positioning capability in two directions. In a retracted position the thruster attachment members are held in nested relation in saddles (26) supported on the frames of the thruster support assemblies. The thruster is securely held in the retracted position during periods of high loading such as during launch of the spacecraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.