Deployable decelerator based microsatellite recovery
US8292232B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/623
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A satellite recovery apparatus having a base configured to be attached to a satellite and having a pressurized gas chamber and a valve assembly. A plurality of walls are hingedly attached to the base and movable between a closed position, wherein the walls define a volume above the base, and an open position, wherein the walls are disposed spaced away from the base. A heat shield is attached to the base. A deployable decelerator is attached to the heat shield and has an outer perimeter with an expandable torus that is operably connected to the valve assembly such that the expandable torus can be pressurized from the chamber. Pressurization of the expandable torus deploys the decelerator assembly from a non-deployed position within the volume to a deployed high-drag position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.