摘要:
Systems and methods for powering an electrical thruster (112) of a vehicle (100). The methods comprise providing an unregulated high voltage output current of a high voltage solar array (122) directly to an electric propulsion system (104) of the vehicle. The electric propulsion system generates a converted high voltage current by converting a voltage level of the unregulated high voltage output current. The converted high voltage current is supplied directly to an anode of the electrical thruster. A regulated low voltage current is also generated by regulating a low voltage output of a low voltage solar array (124). The regulated low voltage current is used to supply power to at least one electronic component of the electrical thruster.
摘要:
The present invention relates to a service satellite having a body, a controller and a docking unit. The docking unit includes at least two foldable, adjustable gripping arms pivotally mounted on the satellite body, each gripping arm being pivotable relative to the satellite body, and a gripping end at each free end of the gripping arms, wherein the gripping ends are adapted and configured to capture and grip a target portion of an orbiting satellite. Each gripping arm is controllable independently by the controller, which coordinates the motion of the arms. The service satellite also includes a propulsion unit including a first thruster mounted adjacent a Nadir end of the service satellite body, and a balance thruster, the balance thruster being distanced from the first thruster and facing a different direction than the first thruster, propellant for the thruster and the balance thruster; and means for aligning the thrusters so that a thrusting vector passes through a joint center of gravity of the service satellite and the serviced satellite.
摘要:
A coated structure is provided that has a highly concentrated coating of carbon nanotubes so as to provide integrated thermal emissivity, atomic oxygen (AO) shielding and tailorable conductivity to the underlying surface, such as the surface of an aerospace vehicle, a solar array, an aeronautical vehicle or the like. A method of fabricating a coated structure is also provided in which a surface is coated with a coating having a relative high concentration of carbon nanotubes that is configured to provide integrated thermal emissivity, AO shielding and tailorable conductivity to the surface.
摘要:
A foil deployment mechanism comprises a first drum rotatable about a first longitudinal axis, and a second drum rotatable about a second longitudinal axis. The foil deployment mechanism further comprises a cable, the cable comprising a first section which extends from a lower part of the second drum to an upper part of the first drum, a second section which is wound around a part of the first drum facing away from the second drum, a third section which extends from a lower part of the first drum to an upper part of the second drum, and a fourth section which is wound around a part of the second drum facing away from the first drum, wherein the first section and the third section intersect each other between the first drum and the second drum when being viewed along the first longitudinal axis.
摘要:
Micro satellite is disclosed with foldable solar panels that may be winded around the body of the micro satellite so that the growth in outer dimensions of the satellite is no more than 10-20 mm along each one of the length, width and height of the microsatellite so that the micro satellite may be launched in an auxiliary payload volume of a launcher. The foldable solar panels may be deployed to employ area that exceeds 9 times the product of the length by the width of the satellite and 6 times the product of the height by the length. The solar power produced by the solar panel and their light weight enable carrying of cargo that is at least 0.6 of the of the total mass of the satellites.
摘要:
A system and apparatus are provided for preventing heat loss in a spacecraft during the upper stage launch phase and transfer orbit. A thermal control panel can be provided that can be positioned adjacent to exposed areas of radiator panels on the spacecraft in a collapsed configuration. The outer surface of the panel can have a high absorptivity, and the inner surface can have a high emissivity. During upper stage launch phase and transfer orbit, the panel can tend to emit heat toward the radiator panels on an inboard side of the spacecraft, thus reducing heat loss from the radiator panels to reduce the need for onboard electronic heaters and thereby preserve battery power for other onboard systems.
摘要:
A spacecraft (146) may include a module structure (302) having a plurality of module sides (304). The spacecraft (146) may include a central cylinder (150) extending through a center of the spacecraft (146). The central cylinder (150) may be the only closed cross-section extending along a longitudinal axis of the spacecraft (146).