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US 12,509,252 B2Granted
Space vehicles with paraglider re-entry, and associated systems and methods
AssigneeOutpost Technologies Corporation
InventorsJason Dunn, Michael Vergalla
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Space vehicles with paraglider re-entry, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a re-useable space vehicle, a collapsible, deployable and re-stowable re-entry heat shield carried by the space vehicle, and a collapsible, deployable and re-stowable flexible paraglider wing also carried by the space vehicle. The space vehicle can accordingly carry out repeated space-based missions, and can be refurbished and replenished on Earth and/or at an orbiting dock between missions.
Claims37
A space system, comprising:
- a re-useable space vehicle configured to operate in space and to re-enter Earth's atmosphere;
- a collapsible, deployable and re-stowable re-entry heat shield carried by the space vehicle, wherein the heat shield deploys to a position that protects the vehicle from heat load;
- a collapsible, deployable and re-stowable flexible paraglider wing carried by the space vehicle, wherein the wing deploys to a position spaced apart from the heat shield and provides lift to the space vehicle within the atmosphere for landing;
- a payload bay carried by the space vehicle;
- a solar panel carried by the space vehicle and positioned to operate without obstructing the payload bay during space flight;
- a propulsion system carried by the space vehicle, and including multiple thrusters;
- one or more pressurant tanks coupled to either or both of the heat shield and propulsion system to (a) provide a propulsive force to the space vehicle, or (b) inflate the heat shield;
- and
- a vehicle controller coupled to the heat shield, wing and propulsion system to enable coordinated guidance, navigation and control of the space vehicle in space, through re-entry into the atmosphere, and within the atmosphere.
6 more elements
A space system, comprising:
- a re-useable space vehicle configured to operate in space and within Earth's atmosphere;
- a collapsible, deployable and re-stowable re-entry heat shield carried by the space vehicle and configured to be deployed to resist heat loads upon re-entry into the atmosphere;
- a collapsible, deployable and re-stowable flexible paraglider wing carried by the space vehicle and configured to be deployed to provide lift and control to the vehicle;
- one or more sensors carried by the space vehicle to determine state of the heat shield and paraglider wing and to provide vehicle speed, acceleration, location and gyroscopic data;
- and
- a vehicle controller coupled to the sensors, the heat shield and the paraglider wing to selectively deploy the heat shield and deploy and manipulate the paraglider wing to facilitate coordinated re-entry of the space vehicle from space into and within the atmosphere.
3 more elements
A method for operating a space system, comprising:
- launching a space vehicle configured as a satellite into space;
- independently operating the space vehicle for at least a portion of mission;
- returning the space vehicle to earth, including by:
- deploying a collapsible heat shield carried by the space vehicle to protect against heat load;
- deploying a collapsible paraglider wing carried by the space vehicle to enable deceleration and control of the vehicle;
- providing one or more sensors carried by the space vehicle to provide sensor data indicating the state of the vehicle, including the deployment of the heat shield and paraglider wing;
- and
- selectively coordinating operation of the heat shield and paraglider wing using the sensor data for re-entering the space vehicle into the atmosphere and guiding, navigating, controlling and landing the space vehicle on a targeted location of terrestrial surface.
5 more elements
A space system comprising:
- a re-furbishable space vehicle in the form of a satellite configured to operate in space and to re-enter Earth's atmosphere;
- a deployable and collapsible re-entry heat shield coupled to the space vehicle though an actuator, wherein the heat shield is configured when deployed to protect the space vehicle from heat loads;
- a deployable and collapsible flexible wing coupled to the space vehicle through a plurality of cords, wherein the wing has a surface and wherein the vehicle is steerable through deformation of the surface of the wing when deployed by applying tension to the cords;
- a payload carried by the space vehicle;
- one or more thrusters carried by the space vehicle;
- one or more sensors carried the space vehicle and configured to assess state of the vehicle, including state of the heat shield and state of the wing during re-entry and within the atmosphere;
- and
- a vehicle controller coupled to the heat shield, wing, propulsion system and sensors to enable coordinated guidance, navigation and control of the space vehicle as it descends into and within the atmosphere for targeted landing on terrestrial surface.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.