In 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 , in which said nuclear reactor means ( 19 ) is gas cooled.
3 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said nuclear reactor means ( 19 ) is cooled by a liquid-metal.
4 . An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said nuclear reactor means ( 19 ) is cooled by a thermoelectric cooler.
5 . 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 );
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
means for cooling said nuclear reactor means ( 19 ).