System and method for automated pre-launch and post-launch inspection of space launch vehicles and infrastructure using coordinated drone swarms
OwnerDaniel Ryan Singletoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method are provided for automated pre-launch and post-launch inspection of space launch vehicles and associated launch infrastructure using coordinated swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In one implementation, multiple autonomous UAVs equipped with multi-modal sensors and protective design features execute coordinated inspection patterns under control of a mission management system that adapts to environmental conditions and enforces safety constraints. Sensor data are processed to detect and classify anomalies, generate inspection reports, and store results for trending analysis and predictive maintenance.
Claims20
A system for automated inspection of a space launch vehicle and associated launch infrastructure, the system comprising:
- a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), each UAV comprising a propulsion system, an onboard processor, a communication module, and a modular sensor mount configured to support a sensor suite comprising at least one of (i) a visible-light imaging sensor, (ii) an infrared sensor, and (iii) a gas detection sensor;
- and
- a control system comprising one or more computing devices in communication with the plurality of UAVs, the control system configured to:
- (i) define a set of inspection zones corresponding to portions of the space launch vehicle and/or the associated launch infrastructure;
- (ii) allocate inspection tasks among the plurality of UAVs based on at least one of sensor availability, battery state, and environmental conditions;
- (iii) coordinate flight paths of the plurality of UAVs to collect sensor data for the inspection zones while maintaining separation constraints and avoiding restricted areas;
- and
- (iv) process the collected sensor data to detect anomalies and generate an inspection report.
A method for automated inspection of a space launch vehicle and associated launch infrastructure using a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the method comprising:
- defining inspection zones corresponding to portions of the space launch vehicle and/or the associated launch infrastructure;
- allocating inspection tasks among the plurality of UAVs based on at least one of sensor availability, battery state, and environmental conditions;
- commanding the plurality of UAVs to execute coordinated flight paths to collect sensor data for the inspection zones while maintaining separation constraints and avoiding restricted areas;
- and
- processing the collected sensor data to detect anomalies and generate an inspection report.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.