Spacecraft payload exchange system
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Jul 4, 1995
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Nov 16, 1992
filing date -
Nov 16, 1992
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A method of manufacturing in space and a spacecraft assembly to accomplish such manufacture. The spacecraft assembly includes a spacecraft including a plurality of canister compartments circumferentially spaced about the central axis of the spacecraft and opening in a docking face of the spacecraft, a plurality of canisters respectively positioned in the compartments, and a passive docking mechanism proximate the docking face and proximate the central axis, and a service vehicle comprising a plurality of canister compartments spaced circumferentially about the central axis of the service vehicle, a plurality of canisters respectively positioned in the compartments, and a manipulator assembly including an active docking structure, including a boom extending forwardly from the docking face, and a canister handling assembly mounted on the boom. In one embodiment, the spacecraft remains permanently in orbit, a manufacturing process is performed on the spacecraft to produce an end product which is housed in the canisters, and the service vehicle periodically visits the orbiting spacecraft to perform a canister exchange with the spacecraft, utilizing the canister exchange with the spacecraft, utilizing the canister handling assembly, and replenishing the spacecraft supplies.
First Claim
Family
International Classification(s)
Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
Recipient Email Address
Recipient Email Address
Comment
Recipient Email Address
Add to Portfolio(s)
To add this patent to one, or more, of your portfolios, simply click the add button.
This Patent is in these Portfolios:
Add to additional portfolios:
Last Refreshed On:
Changes done successfully