Method and apparatus for supplying orbital space platforms using payload canisters via intermediate orbital rendezvous and docking

A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising:

• an internal space for containing supply material;
• a power subsystem for supplying power to canister components;
• and
• at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two elements, wherein the supply canister relies on a docking element to provide at least one of orbital stability and propulsion from one or both of the docked elements;
• wherein the supply canister has no means for propulsion while in orbit and no means for stabilizing the supply canister against rotation while in orbit and has means for connecting supply canister electrical system with an electrical system of an element docked at a docking port of the supply canister.

A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising:

• an internal space for containing supply materiel;
• a power subsystem for supplying power to canister components;
• and
• at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two elements, wherein the supply canister relies on a docking element to provide at least one of orbital stability and propulsion from one or both of the docked elements;
• wherein the at least two docking ports include a first docking port at a first axial location of an approximate cylinder that is a Cone docking port and a second docking port at a second axial location opposite the first axial location that is a Probe docking port.

A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising:

• an internal space for containing supply materiel;
• a power subsystem for supplying power to canister components;
• and
• at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two elements, wherein the supply canister relies on a docking element to provide at least one of orbital stability and propulsion from one or both of the docked elements;
• further comprising a rendezvous subsystem for assisting in automated or semi-automated docking of the supply canister with a docking element.

A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising:

• an internal space for containing supply materiel;
• a power subsystem for supplying power to canister components;
• and
• at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two elements, wherein the supply canister relies on a docking element to provide at least one of orbital stability and propulsion from one or both of the docked elements;
• further comprising:
• a communication subsystem for communicating with elements docked to the supply canister or elements to be docked to the supply canister;
• and
• a rendezvous subsystem for assisting in automated or semi-automated docking of the supply canister with a docking element.

A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising:

• an internal space for containing supply materiel;
• a power subsystem for supplying power to canister components;
• and
• at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two elements, wherein the supply canister relies on a docking element to provide at least one of orbital stability and propulsion from one or both of the docked elements;
• wherein the at least two docking ports include a first docking port that is a Cone docking port and a second docking port that is a Probe docking port, wherein the supply canister is adapted to be docked to an intermediate space vehicle at the Cone docking port and a launch vehicle at the Probe docking port simultaneously.

A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising:

• an internal space for containing supply materiel;
• a power subsystem for supplying power to canister components;
• and
• at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two elements, wherein the supply canister relies on a docking element to provide at least one of orbital stability and propulsion from one or both of the docked elements;
• wherein the at least two docking ports include a first docking port that is a Cone docking port and a second docking port that is a Probe docking port, wherein the supply canister is adapted to be docked to an intermediate space vehicle at the Cone docking port and a space platform at the Probe docking port simultaneously.

A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising:

• an internal space for containing supply materiel;
• and
• at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two elements;
• and
• pass-through signal means for passing signals between a first element docked to the supply canister and a second element to which the supply canister is to be docked.

A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising:

• an internal space for containing supply materiel;
• a rendezvous subsystem for assisting in automated or semi-automated docking of the supply canister with a docking element;
• and
• at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two elements, wherein the supply canister relies on a docking element to provide at least one of orbital stability and propulsion from one or both of the docked elements.