Orbit space transportation & recovery system

• US 20070114334A1
• Filed: 01/10/2007
• Published: 05/24/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Iostar Corporation
• Original Assignee: Iostar Corporation
• Inventors: Stuart, James, D'Ausilio, Robert, Giaccherini, Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 7,575,199 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/171.700
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/1078 Maintenance satellites refuelling in space B64G1/4024
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/1081 for debris removal
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/2427 Transfer orbits
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/405 Ion or plasma engines per se F03H1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/408 Nuclear spacecraft propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/413 Ion or plasma engines
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/422 Nuclear power generation
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/503 Radiator panels
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/506 Heat pipes
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/54 Protection against radiation
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/646 Docking or rendezvous systems refuelling in space B64G1/4024
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/6462 characterised by the means for engaging other vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G21D 5/02 Reactor and engine structurally combined, e.g. portable
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 30/00 Energy generation of nuclear origin

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A method comprising the steps of:

operating a nuclear powered vehicle in orbit; and

processing information on board said nuclear powered vehicle.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used to affect another satellite.

3. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used to move a satellite.

4. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used to rescue a satellite.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used to repair a satellite.

6. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used to transport a payload to a satellite.

7. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used to transport a payload from a satellite.

8. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used to transport a payload to a celestial body.

9. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used to transport a payload from a celestial body.

10. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said nuclear powered vehicle for providing said information is sold.

11. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said nuclear powered vehicle for providing said information is leased for a specified task.

12. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said nuclear powered vehicle for providing said information is leased for a specified time.

13. A method as recited in claim 1, in which a customer who uses said nuclear powered vehicle for providing said information is charged according to a specified rate.

14. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is conveyed to another satellite.

15. A method as recited in claim 13, in which said information is conveyed to a receiver generally near a celestial body.

16. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is conveyed using a radio signal.

17. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is provided to a plurality of customers.

18. A method as recited in claim 1, in which a customer is charged for receiving said information by the packet conveyed.

19. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used for reconnaissance.

20. A method as recited in claim 1, in which said information is used for surveillance.

21. A method of operating a nuclear powered vehicle in orbit comprising the steps of:

providing said nuclear powered vehicle in orbit with a radiation shield (20) for protecting a detachable payload (15);

providing said nuclear powered vehicle with a grasping means (14) extending outwardly therefrom at one end for docking and interacting with at least one other satellite;

said grasping means (14) being configured for multiple use and for interacting with a plurality of different objects;

said grasping means (14) including a plurality of segments;

configuring said plurality of segments to partially surround one of said plurality of different objects and to engage and to grasp said object without the need for any preconfigured docking interface on said object; and

processing information;

said processed information for interacting with at least one other satellite.