Micro-satellite and satellite formation for inverse and distributed proximity operations
First Claim
1. A method of docking with a target vehicle comprising the steps of:
- maneuvering an active vehicle into general proximity to a the target vehicle;
transmitting from the target vehicle to the active vehicle data representing relative position and velocity between the target vehicle and the active vehicle; and
maneuvering the active vehicle in accordance with the data to dock with the target vehicle.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for conducting proximity operations is disclosed. The method called inverser proximity operations includes maneuvering an active vehicle into general proximity to a target vehicle, transmitting from the target vehicle to the active vehicle data representing relative position and velocity between the target vehicle and the active vehicle, and maneuvering the active vehicle in accordance with the data to effect a desired proximity operation. Another method called distributed proximity operations includes maneuvering a carrier vehicle into general proximity to a target vehicle, releasing one or more active vehicles from the carrier vehicle, transmitting from the carrier vehicle to the active vehicle(s) data representing relative position and velocity between the target vehicle and the active vehicle, and maneuvering the active vehicle(s) in accordance with the data to effect a desired proximity operation. The proximity operations are similarly suitable for aeronautical systems, such as when using an active aircraft to re-fuel a target aircraft, such as a drone. Whether for space, air, or other environments, the proximity operations described can be used for re-fueling, repairing, and replacing components and/or systems.
55 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method of docking with a target vehicle comprising the steps of:
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maneuvering an active vehicle into general proximity to a the target vehicle;
transmitting from the target vehicle to the active vehicle data representing relative position and velocity between the target vehicle and the active vehicle; and
maneuvering the active vehicle in accordance with the data to dock with the target vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An active vehicle for docking with a target vehicle, comprising:
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first means for maneuvering the active vehicle into general proximity to the target vehicle;
sensor means, connected to the target vehicle, for transmitting from the target vehicle to the active vehicle data representing relative position and velocity between the target vehicle and the active vehicle; and
second means for maneuvering the active vehicle in accordance with the data to dock with the target vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for re-fueling an unmanned aircraft, comprising:
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a service aircraft having a receive antenna and a transferable supply of fuel;
a sensor disposed on the unmanned aircraft for generating data indicative of relative position between the service aircraft and the unmanned aircraft;
a transmit antenna disposed on the unmanned aircraft for transmitting the data from the unmanned aircraft to the service aircraft; and
a propulsion and control system associated with the service aircraft, for maneuvering the service aircraft into a docking position with respect to the unmanned aircraft in response to the data.
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17. A method of docking with a target vehicle comprising the steps of:
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maneuvering a control vehicle into general proximity to the target vehicle;
deploying at least one active vehicle from the control vehicle;
transmitting from the control vehicle to the active vehicle data representing relative position and velocity between the target vehicle and the active vehicle; and
maneuvering the active vehicle in accordance with the data to dock with the target vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A system for docking with a target vehicle comprising:
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a control vehicle adapted to be maneuvered into general proximity to a the target vehicle;
at least one active vehicle deployable into general proximity to the target vehicle;
a sensor, located on the control vehicle, for transmitting from the control vehicle to the active vehicle data representing relative position and velocity between the target vehicle and the active vehicle; and
means for maneuvering the active vehicle in accordance with the data to dock with the target vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification