Orbit space transportation & recovery system
An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) ( 10 ) is disclosed. One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor ( 19 ). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom ( 11 ) connected at one end to a propellant tank ( 13 ) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system ( 12 ). This end of the boom ( 11 ) is equipped with docking hardware ( 14 ) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite ( 15 ) and as a means to refill the tank ( 13 ). Radiator panels ( 16 ) mounted on the boom ( 11 ) dissipate heat from the reactor ( 19 ). A radiation shield ( 20 ) is situated next to the reactor ( 19 ) to protect the satellite payload ( 15 ) at the far end of the boom ( 11 ). The IOSTAR™ ( 10 ) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.
1 . An apparatus comprising:
a boom means ( 11 ) for providing support;
a nuclear reactor means ( 19 ) for generating heat; said nuclear reactor means ( 19 ) being coupled to said boom means ( 11 );
a payload protection means ( 20 ) for protecting a payload ( 15 ) from radiation; said payload protection means ( 20 ) being coupled to said nuclear reactor means ( 19 );
a radiator means ( 16 ) for dissipating heat; said radiator means ( 16 ) being coupled to said nuclear reactor means ( 19 );
an electric propulsion means ( 12 ) for supplying thrust; said electric propulsion means ( 12 ) being coupled to said nuclear reactor means ( 19 );
a propellant tank means ( 13 ) for storing fuel for said electric propulsion means ( 12 ); said propellant tank means ( 13 ) being coupled to said boom means ( 11 ); and
a multiple-use grasping means ( 14 ) for engaging a satellite above the surface of the Earth; said grasping means ( 14 ) being coupled to said boom means ( 11 ), generally at one end of said boom means ( 11 ).
2 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to correct an anomalous satellite orbit.
3 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to provide mobility for a satellite ( 15 ).
4 . An apparatus as recited in claim 3 , in which said satellite ( 15 ) is moved from any orbit to any other orbit.
5 . An apparatus as recited in claim 3 , in which said satellite ( 15 ) is moved from any position in any orbit to any other position in the same orbit.
6 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to move a spare spacecraft ( 15 ) from a position in one orbit to a position in another orbit.
7 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used for inspection of a satellite ( 15 ) in orbit.
8 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to repair a satellite ( 15 ) in orbit.
9 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to extend the useful life of a satellite ( 15 ).
10 . An apparatus as recited in claim 9 , which is used to extend the useful life of a satellite ( 15 ) by replenishing a consumable.
11 . An apparatus as recited in claim 9 , which is used to extend the useful life of a satellite ( 15 ) by replenishing power.
12 . An apparatus as recited in claim 9 , which is used to extend the useful life of a satellite ( 15 ) by replenishing fuel.
13 . An apparatus as recited in claim 9 , which is used to extend the useful life of a satellite ( 15 ) by replacing a battery.
14 . An apparatus as recited in claim 9 , which is used to extend the useful life of a satellite ( 15 ) by replacing a satellite component.
15 . An apparatus as recited in claim 3 , which is used to reposition said satellite ( 15 ) from a lower to a higher, orbit to realize cost savings compared to the costs of a conventional launch which brings a payload directly to a higher orbit.
16 . An apparatus as recited in claim 3 , which is used to move said satellite ( 15 ) into a disposal orbit.
17 . An apparatus as recited in claim 3 , which is used to provide services to an insurer.
18 . An apparatus as recited in claim 17 , which is used to salvage a satellite ( 15 ) in accordance with an insurance contract.
19 . An apparatus as recited in claim 17 , which is used to obtain information about a failure of an orbiting asset.
20 . An apparatus as recited in claim 17 , which enables an insurer to lower an assessment of financial risks of a satellite launch.
21 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to maintain a fleet of satellites ( 15 ).
22 . An apparatus as recited in claim 21 , in which said fleet of satellites ( 15 ) includes the United States Global Positioning Satellites.
23 . An apparatus as recited in claim 9 , which is used to supply on-orbit power to another satellite ( 15 ).
24 . An apparatus as recited in claim 23 , which is used to supply on-orbit power to another satellite ( 15 ) using radiated microwave power transmission.
25 . An apparatus as recited in claim 23 , which is used to supply on-orbit power to another satellite ( 15 ) by transferring of fuel cells.
26 . An apparatus as recited in claim 23 , which is used to supply on-orbit power to another satellite ( 15 ) by a direct connection.
27 . An apparatus as recited in claim 26 , which is used to supply on-orbit power to another satellite ( 15 ) by a direct connection for recharging the power system of satellite ( 15 ).
28 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to provide services to a spacecraft manufacturer.
29 . An apparatus as recited in claim 12 , which is used to provide refueling services for another satellite ( 15 ).
30 . An apparatus as recited in claim 29 , which is used to provide refueling services another satellite ( 15 ) by transferring fuel into a tank of satellite ( 15 ).
31 . An apparatus as recited in claim 29 , which is used to provide refueling services another satellite ( 15 ) by transferring fuel into a tank containing fuel to satellite ( 15 ).
32 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to provide services to a spacecraft user.
33 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used to provide services to a government agency.
34 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , which is used as a reusable upper stage of a conventional launch vehicle to reduce launch costs.
35 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a recycling facility to recycle a satellite ( 15 ).
36 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , further comprising an on-board laser.
37 . An apparatus as recited in claim 36 , in which said on-board laser is used to divert a celestial body.