Balloon device for lowering space object orbits
AssigneeGlobal Aerospace Corporation
InventorsKerry T. Nock, Angus D. McRonald, Kim Maynard Aaron
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for lowering an orbit of a space object includes an envelope, an inflation system for inflating the envelope, an inflation control system for controlling the inflation system, and attachment hardware for connecting the apparatus and the space object. Inflating the envelope increases an effective drag area of the envelope for increasing atmospheric drag on the envelope.
Claims24
An apparatus for lowering an orbit of a space object, comprising:
- an envelope;
- a spatial-separation element for providing a complete spatial separation between the envelope and the space object;
- an inflation system for inflating the envelope;
- an inflation control system for controlling the inflation system;
- and
- attachment hardware for connecting the apparatus and the space object, wherein
- inflating the envelope increases an effective drag area of the envelope for increasing atmospheric drag on the envelope.
An apparatus for lowering an orbit of space object, comprising:
- an envelope;
- an inflation system for inflating the envelope;
- a spatial-deployment system for separating the apparatus and the space object in a deployed configuration, the spatial-deployment system including a reefing system that encloses a portion of the envelope before inflation and constrains the envelope during inflation;
- a spatial-deployment control system for controlling the spatial-deployment system;
- an inflation control system for controlling the inflation system;
- and
- attachment hardware for connecting the apparatus and the space object, wherein
- inflating the envelope increases an effective drag area of the envelope for increasing atmospheric drag on the envelope.
A method for lowering an orbit of a space object, comprising:
- connecting an envelope to the space object;
- using a spatial-separation element to provide a complete spatial separation between the envelope and the space object;
- and
- controlling an inflating of the envelope, wherein
- inflating the envelope increases an effective drag area of the envelope for increasing atmospheric drag on the envelope.
A method for lowering an orbit of a space object, comprising:
- connecting an envelope to the space object;
- controlling a deployment of a spatial separation between the envelope and the space object;
- and
- controlling an inflating of the envelope, wherein
- controlling the inflating of the envelope includes constraining the envelope with a reefing system that encloses a portion of the envelope, and
- inflating the envelope increases an effective drag area of the envelope for increasing atmospheric drag on the envelope.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.