Patent · US Active

Space vehicle having a payload-centric configuration

US7686255B2 · kind B2 · utility

29Cited by
15References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 28, 2007
Grant dateMar 30, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 10, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64G1/402
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

In one aspect, a space vehicle includes a structure configured to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration and at least two equipment compartments attached to the periphery of the structure. The structure includes at least one of an antenna mesh, a light-shielding mesh, an optical reflector mesh and a net.In another aspect, a space vehicle includes an antenna structure configured to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration and at least two equipment compartments attached to the periphery of the antenna structure. At least one of the at least two equipment components include a solar panel, a propulsion system and an antenna feed.In a further aspect, a space vehicle includes a payload element and at least two spacecraft-support structures attached to the periphery of the payload element. At least one of the at least two spacecraft-support structures includes a propulsion system and a tracking, telemetry and control system.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.