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US 8,181,911 B1Granted
Satellite refuelling system and method
AssigneeMacdonald, Dettwiler and Associates Inc.
InventorsLawrence Gryniewski, Derry Crymble, John Cameron Ower
Life of this patent
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AssigneeMacdonald, Dettwiler and Associates Inc.
InventorsLawrence Gryniewski, Derry Crymble, John Cameron Ower
Estimating the term…
The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refueling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refueling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft or space station in which the refueling satellite is ferried into space in the case of the larger space craft or it may be stored on the space station until needed from which it can be launched. The system includes a robotic arm, suitable tools which can be affixed to the end effector of the robotic arm required for accessing, opening and closing the fuel fill valve on the satellite being serviced, storage and retrieval stations on a tool caddy on which the tools and various fuel fill valve caps are stored. The system is under teleoperation by a remotely located operator, for example located on earth, in the mother station or in the space station. Cameras are included focussed on the robotic arm and end effector and images are transmitted to the operator to allow the operator to direct and control the refueling procedure. The system may also be configured to be operated autonomously under computer control.
A method of transferring fluid from a servicer spacecraft to a client spacecraft, said client spacecraft including a tank and a fluid port coupled to said tank, said fluid port including a fluid valve, said fluid valve including a valve actuation nut for opening and closing said fluid valve, said fluid being selected from the group consisting of fuel and oxidizer, the method comprising:
A method of transferring fluid from a servicer spacecraft to a client spacecraft, said client spacecraft including a tank and a fluid port coupled to said tank, said fluid port including a fluid valve, said fluid valve including a valve actuation nut for opening and closing said fluid valve, said fluid being selected from the group consisting of fuel and oxidizer, the method comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.