Proximity spacecraft maneuvering
US8412391B2 · kind B2 · utility
20Cited by
37References
15Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/646
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided is a method and system for maneuvering a first spacecraft relative to a nearby second spacecraft that occupies a finite volume of space including obstacles in the vicinity of the second from a measured present relative position to a desired ending relative position. A trajectory is computed for the first spacecraft from the present relative position to the ending relative position using the A* algorithm. One or more thrusters of the first spacecraft are then fired. The first spacecraft's relative position and velocity are then measured and compared to the computed trajectory.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.