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US 2017/0363044 A1Published application
Small satellite propulsion system utilizing liquid propellant ullage vapor
AssigneeThe Aerospace Corporation
InventorBrandie L. Rhodes
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Abstract
A novel approach provides a small satellite propulsion system that uses vapor to generate thrust for the small satellite. The vapor naturally sits on top of liquid propellant(s), which are stored within a propellant tank. The vapor may flow from the propellant tank and through a membrane to interact with a reacting surface to generate thrust.
Claims26
An apparatus, comprising:
- vapor that naturally sits on top of liquid propellants stored within a propellant tank, wherein
- the vapor flows from the propellant tank and through a valve, membrane, a collection of tubes, or combination thereof, to interact with a reacting surface to generate thrust.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a first propellant tank comprising vapor that naturally sits on top of liquid propellant;
- and
- a valve, when open, causes the vapor to be pulled from the first propellant tank and flow through a membrane to interact with a reacting surface to generate thrust.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a first propellant tank comprising vapor that naturally sits on top of liquid propellants;
- and
- a second propellant tank comprising a second propellant, wherein
- the vapor and the second propellant is mixed prior to passing through a membrane.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.