In orbit space transportation and recovery system
An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) ( 10 ). 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 mans ( 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 ); and
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 );
said apparatus being positioned in orbit and providing high-bandwidth, direct communication service to a terminal which is not in Earth orbit, and which does not require an intermediate satellite relay.
2. An Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service is conducted using frequency bands between 30 and 3000 GigaHertz.
3. An Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service is conducted in orbit around the Earth.
4. An Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service is conducted beyond Earth orbit.
5. An Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service is conducted using electromagnetic frequencies.
6. An Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service is conducted using optical frequencies.
7. An Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service is conducted at extremely high output power compared to conventional satellite operations.
8. An Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service is conducted using a network.
9. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication services are enabled by high power generating capacity.
10. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service is powered by very high levels of electrical power compared to conventional satellites.
11. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said dirt communication service is conducted using an array of antennas.
12. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which direct broadcast signals at frequencies of at least 100 GHz are provided.
13. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a direct broadcast system; said direct broadcast system including a beam-forming array to penetrate layers of the atmosphere which absorb and scatter conventional lower power signals.
14. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a steerable antenna for penetrating layers of the atmosphere which absorb and scatter conventional, lower power signals.
15. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service provides a one way transmission between said apparatus positioned in orbit and a terminal on the Earth's surface.
16. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which ad direct communication service provides a one way transmission between said apparatus positioned in orbit and a terminal near the Earth's surface.
17. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service provides two way transmission between said apparatus positioned in orbit and a terminal on the Earth's surface.
18. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 , in which said direct communication service provides any two way emanations between said apparatus positioned in orbit and a terminal near the Earth's surface.