# US 7,461,818 B2 · In orbit space transportation and recovery system

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- Number: US 7,461,818 B2
- Document ID: US7461818B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/703,296
- Filed: 2007-02-07
- Published: 2007-07-05
- Granted: 2008-12-09
- Earliest claimed: 2001-07-30
- Assignees: IOSTAR Corporation
- Inventors: Robert F. D'Ausilio; Roger X. Lenard; James R. Stuart; Franklin H. Williams, Jr.
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7461818B2

## CPC

- B64G 1/1078: {Maintenance satellites (refuelling in space B64G1/4024)}
- B64G 1/242: {Orbits and trajectories}
- B64G 1/2427: {Transfer orbits}
- B64G 1/4024: {refuelling in space}
- B64G 1/408: {Nuclear spacecraft propulsion}
- B64G 1/413: {Ion or plasma engines}
- B64G 1/422: {Nuclear power generation}
- B64G 1/503: {Radiator panels}
- B64G 1/6462: {characterised by the means for engaging other vehicles}
- B64G 1/2224: {about multiple axes}
- B64G 1/283: {using reaction wheels}
- B64G 1/363: {using sun sensors}
- B64G 1/369: {using gyroscopes as attitude sensors}
- B64G 1/415: {Arcjets or resistojets}
- B64G 1/44: using radiation, e.g. deployable solar arrays
- B64G 1/66: Arrangements or adaptations of apparatus or instruments, not otherwise provided for
- B64G: COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR

## Abstract

A preferred In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™)(10) includes a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move fully deployed spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus comprising:
a) a boom means (11) for providing support;
b) a nuclear reactor means (19) for generating heat; said nuclear reactor means (19) being coupled to said boom means (11);
c) a payload protection means (20) protecting a payload (15) from radiation, wherein the payload (15) comprises an attached, fully deployed satellite and the payload protection means comprises a radiation shield incorporating multiple zone shielding that minimizes mass and protects extended appendages on the fully deployed satellite, said payload protection means (20) being coupled to said nuclear reactor means (19);
d) a radiator means (16) for dissipating heat; said radiator means (16) being coupled to said nuclear reactor means (19);
e) an electric propulsion means (12) for supplying thrust; said electric propulsion means (12) being coupled to said nuclear reactor means (19);
f) a propellant tank means (13) for storing fuel for said electric propulsion means (12); said propellant tank means (13) being coupled to said boom means (11); and
g) a multiple-use grasping means (14) for engaging a satellite above the surface of the Earth; said grasping means (14) being coupled to said boom means (11), generally at one end of said boom means (11).

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

An apparatus as recited in claim 1, including an on-board camera for performing a satellite rendezvous.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

An apparatus as recited in claim 1, including an on-board camera for performing a satellite docking maneuver.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the payload protecting means (20) further comprises a recuperator that is also employed as a gamma shield.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the nuclear reactor means and an energy converter coupled to the nuclear reactor are capable of producing at least 250 kW of sustained electrical power.

### Claim 6

A spacecraft comprising:
a) a boom;
b) a nuclear reactor coupled to said boom;
c) a radiation shield coupled to said nuclear reactor and incorporating multiple zone shielding protecting an attached satellite;
d) a radiator coupled to said nuclear reactor;
e) an electric propulsion device coupled to said nuclear reactor;
f) a propellant tank storing fuel for said electric propulsion device coupled to said boom; and
g) a multiple-use grasping device engaging said satellite above the surface of the Earth coupled to said boom generally at one end of said boom.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The spacecraft of claim 6 further comprising an on-board camera for performing a satellite rendezvous.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The spacecraft of claim 6 further comprising an on-board camera for performing a satellite docking maneuver.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

The spacecraft of claim 6 wherein the radiation shield further comprises a recuperator that is also employed as a gamma shield.

### Claim 10 (depends on 6)

The spacecraft of claim 6 wherein the nuclear reactor and an energy converter coupled to the nuclear reactor are capable of producing at least 250 kW of sustained electrical power.