Reducing satellite weight and cost
US5931419A · kind A · utility
7Cited by
8References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/64
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Satellites are launched to a first orbit on a launch rocket. The satellites are connected together, forming a satellite cluster, that is propelled from the first orbit to a higher mission orbit by thrustors on each satellite. The satellite cluster is formed so that satellite cluster rotation from aerodynamic drag on the individual satellites is minimized. The thrustors are sequenced to control satellite cluster attitude during the transition to the second altitude. At the second altitude, the satellites are separated from the satellite cluster and propelled to their mission orbits using their own thrustors and attitude system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.