Active satellite dispenser for reusable launch vehicle
US6789767B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/623
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An active satellite dispenser is preferably attachable to a reusable launch vehicle for deployment of one or more satellites into one or more desired orbits. The active satellite dispenser includes a center mast that releasably receives the satellite(s), a liquid propellant rocket, and an orbital control system on an avionics pallet. In the preferred embodiment, a pressurized gas selectively pressurizes the propellant tanks (which may include fuel and oxidizer tanks), to provide propellant to the rocket. In operation, the launch vehicle releases the satellite dispenser in a first deployment orbit. The active dispenser rocket and orbital control system then transport the active dispenser and satellite(s) into the final deployment orbit. In the preferred embodiment the active dispenser can operate multiple times to place individual satellites in different orbits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.