Inflatable satellite design
US6568640B1 · kind B1 · utility
31Cited by
10References
14Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/443
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a satellite assembly suitable for use with small payloads. In detail, the invention includes a foldable flexible sheet. A housing for containing the payload of the satellite is mounted at the center of the sheet. A plurality of inflatable tubular members is coupled at a first end to the housing and along it's length to the sheet having a second end terminating at the periphery of the sheet, the tubular elements movable from a collapsed condition to an inflated condition. A plurality of flat solar panels is attached to the sheet in a manner allowing the sheet to be folded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.