Fuel depot in space
A fuel depot in space is provided. The fuel depot has a collapsible housing with a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system, a power management system, and a reaction control system (RNC). Connected to the housing are a plurality of fuel tanks that are connected via collapsible rods. The fuel tanks have pipe systems that are in communication with a plurality of pumps to transfer fuel from the tanks through a refueling arm and into a spacecraft during refueling.
1. A fuel depot, comprising:
a collapsible housing having a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system, a power management system, and a reaction control system (RNC);
a plurality of fuel tanks connected to the housing with a plurality of telescoping rods;
the plurality of fuel tanks having a pipe system in communication with a plurality of pumps; and
a refueling arm connected to at least one pump for refueling a spacecraft.
2. The fuel depot of claim 1 wherein the fuel tanks are made of a lightweight material.
3. The fuel depot of claim 1 wherein the fuel tanks are inflatable.
4. The fuel depot of claim 1 wherein the telescoping rods are in a retracted positioned during launch and in a protracted position when in orbit.
5. The fuel depot of claim 1 wherein the fuel depot is positioned in low earth orbit.
6. The fuel depot of claim 1 wherein the fuel depot is positioned in geosynchronous orbit.
7. The fuel depot of claim 1 wherein the power management system is connected to a solar panel assembly having a plurality of collapsible solar panels.
8. The fuel depot of claim 1 wherein the fuel tanks are made of Mylar.