A representative system for docking a first spacecraft to a second spacecraft can include a fiducial marker carried by the second spacecraft, wherein the fiducial marker includes a metal substrate and a surface treatment forming a computer-readable image on the metal substrate. The computer-readable image can include a pattern of a plurality of blocks (e.g., an ArUCo pattern), in which one or more first blocks of the plurality of blocks includes a first coating having a first emissivity and a first solar radiation absorption coefficient, and one or more second blocks of the plurality of blocks is uncoated or includes a second coating that has a second emissivity and a second solar radiation absorption coefficient. In some embodiments, the first emissivity is less than the second emissivity and the first solar radiation absorption coefficient is greater than the second solar radiation absorption coefficient.
Valves and associated systems and methods for transferring materials to spacecraft are disclosed. A representative system includes a valve device configured to be carried by a spacecraft (e.g., as part of a coupler for joining with another spacecraft). The valve device can include: a body; a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the body, the bore having a tapered interior surface; and one or more tapered seal retention elements positioned in the body and movable along the longitudinal axis. The tapers of the one or more seal retention elements can correspond to the tapered interior surface of the body, such that one or more seal elements carried by the one or more seal retention elements can form seal interfaces with the tapered interior surface. The one or more seal retention elements are movable to selectively open and close the valve (e.g., via a probe carried by another spacecraft).
B64G 1/64 - Systems for coupling or separating cosmonautic vehicles or parts thereof, e.g. docking arrangements
B64G 1/40 - Arrangements or adaptations of propulsion systems
F15B 13/04 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
F16K 11/065 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members
3.
MATERIAL TRANSFER INTERFACES FOR SPACE VEHICLES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative system includes a coupling mechanism including a support structure, a latch-arm base movably connected to the support structure, and a latch arm pivotably connected to the latch-arm base. Another representative system includes a service valve portion, a coupling portion configured to receive the service valve portion, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the service valve portion to the coupling portion. The coupling mechanism can include latch arms positioned to pivot between a position in which the latch arms are pivoted outwardly and a position in which the latch arms are pivoted inwardly to capture the service valve portion. The latch arm can be carried by a latch-arm base that translates relative to a support structure of the coupling portion. Material transfer interfaces can include self-aligning ports having faces that engage each other with cup-and-cone structures.
Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a first coupler configured to be carried by a first space vehicle, and a first valve device carried by the first coupler. The system further includes a second coupler configured to be carried by a second space vehicle and a second valve device carried by the second coupler. The first coupler includes rotatable and translatable latch arms positioned to engage with and connect to the second coupler. The first valve device incudes a moveable probe that is insertable into the second valve device when the latch arms of the first coupler are connected to the second coupler to transfer fluid between the first and second valve devices.
B64G 1/40 - Arrangements or adaptations of propulsion systems
F16L 37/127 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members using hooks hinged about an axis
F16L 37/38 - Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of two pipe-end fittings
5.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING, STORING, AND PROCESSING MATERIALS IN SPACE
Systems and methods for transferring, storing, and/or processing materials, such as fuel or propellant, in space, are disclosed. A representative system includes a flexible container that is changeable between a stowed configuration in which the flexible container is contained within a satellite, and a deployed configuration in which the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The system can include a tanker with a storage container to dock with and refuel a satellite. Another representative system includes a controller programmed with instructions that position a spacecraft with a storage container in a first orbit, transfer the spacecraft to a second orbit, dock the spacecraft with a satellite in the second orbit, transfer material between the storage container and the satellite, undock the spacecraft from the satellite, and, optionally, return the spacecraft to the first orbit. An androgynous coupling system with mechanical and fluid connectors facilitates docking and material transfer.
An enclosed volume is provided for performing operations in space, or on any astronomical object, in a manner separated from aspects of the external environment. The enclosed volume can be a flexible container for a satellite. The enclosed volume can include a membrane having a fluid barrier layer and being configured to contain a propellant gas or fluid; and an expulsion device configured to expel material from the membrane. In a stowed configuration, the flexible container is contained within the satellite, and in a deployed configuration, the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The flexible container can inflate from one shape, in the undeployed configuration, to another shape, in a deployed configuration. The other shape can be toroidal or other appropriate shapes. The flexible container can provide bipropellant, blowdown, and gas/fluid metering functionality. Entertainment and game play can be enabled by the enclosed volume involving robots and other devices.
04 - Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; fuels
07 - Machines and machine tools
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Fuel for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space
stations; propellant for powering and maneuvering
satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations. Fill and drain valves; pressure-regulating valves;
propellant valves; pressure regulating valves; component
parts for fuel systems and refueling systems; fluid transfer
interface for spacecraft, space vehicles, and space
stations. Space vehicles, namely, shuttles and fuel depots. Repair, maintenance, and refueling services for satellites,
spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations;
installation, repair and maintenance services, namely,
installation, repair and maintenance of propellant valves,
fill and drain valves, pressure-regulating valves, component
parts for fuel systems, and fluid transfer interfaces;
providing information in the field of maintenance and repair
relating to spacecraft, space vehicles space stations,
fueling and propellent systems for use in space, aerospace
scientific research, and aerospace industrial research via a
website. Waste removal services; offtake and fuel waste removal
services for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and
space stations; providing information in the field of
transportation relating to spacecraft, space vehicles, space
stations, fueling and propellent systems for use in space,
aerospace scientific research, and aerospace industrial
research via a website. Technology consultation in the field of satellites,
spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations, and fueling
systems and propellent therefor; technical and scientific
consulting, research and development, engineering, design,
and prototyping in the field of aerospace and
aerospace-related advance technologies; providing
information in the field of engineering relating to
spacecraft, space vehicles, space stations, fueling and
propellent systems for use in space, aerospace scientific
research, and aerospace industrial research via a website.
8.
Systems and methods for creating and automating an enclosed volume with a flexible fuel tank and propellant metering for machine operations
An enclosed volume is provided for performing operations in space, or on any astronomical object, in a manner separated from aspects of the external environment. The enclosed volume can be a flexible container for a satellite. The enclosed volume can include a membrane having a fluid barrier layer and being configured to contain a propellant gas or fluid; and an expulsion device configured to expel material from the membrane. In a stowed configuration, the flexible container is contained within the satellite, and in a deployed configuration, the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The flexible container can inflate from one shape, in the undeployed configuration, to another shape, in a deployed configuration. The other shape can be toroidal or other appropriate shapes. The flexible container can provide bipropellant, blowdown, and gas/fluid metering functionality. Entertainment and game play can be enabled by the enclosed volume involving robots and other devices.
Systems and methods for production of hydrogen peroxide, such as high-test peroxide, are disclosed. Representative systems and methods also include aerospace systems and space exploration missions implementing systems and methods for production of hydrogen peroxide. A representative system for making hydrogen peroxide can include: a water electrolyzer for receiving water and separating at least some of the water into hydrogen and oxygen; a proton-exchange membrane cell for receiving water, hydrogen from the water electrolyzer, and oxygen from the water electrolyzer and for combining the hydrogen, the oxygen, and the water into a first hydrogen peroxide solution having a first concentration of hydrogen peroxide in water; and a hydrogen peroxide concentrator for removing at least some of the water from the first hydrogen peroxide solution to yield a second hydrogen peroxide solution that has a second concentration of hydrogen peroxide in water that is greater than the first concentration.
Fill and drain valves; pressure-regulating valves;
propellant valves; pressure regulating valves; component
parts for fuel systems and refueling systems; fluid transfer
interface for spacecraft, space vehicles, and space
stations.
11.
PRODUCTION OF HIGH-TEST PEROXIDE FOR SPACE MISSIONS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Systems and methods for production of hydrogen peroxide, such as high-test peroxide, are disclosed. Representative systems and methods also include aerospace systems and space exploration missions implementing systems and methods for production of hydrogen peroxide. A representative system for making hydrogen peroxide can include: a water electrolyzer for receiving water and separating at least some of the water into hydrogen and oxygen; a proton-exchange membrane cell for receiving water, hydrogen from the water electrolyzer, and oxygen from the water electrolyzer and for combining the hydrogen, the oxygen, and the water into a first hydrogen peroxide solution having a first concentration of hydrogen peroxide in water; and a hydrogen peroxide concentrator for removing at least some of the water from the first hydrogen peroxide solution to yield a second hydrogen peroxide solution that has a second concentration of hydrogen peroxide in water that is greater than the first concentration.
04 - Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; fuels
07 - Machines and machine tools
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Fuel for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; propellant in the nature of expelled media for powering and maneuvering satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations Fill and drain valves as machine components; pressure-regulating valves as machine components; propellant valves as machine components; pressure regulating valves as machine components; component parts for fuel systems and refueling systems consisting of valves as machine components; Fluid transfer interface in the nature of a machine component for spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; all of the foregoing for use with satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, space stations, space and aerospace-related propulsion systems, rocket engines, space fuel depots and facilities, and other space and aerospace-related applications, including planet, moon, and asteroid applications Space vehicles, namely, shuttles and orbital fuel depots Repair, maintenance, and refueling services for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; Installation, repair and maintenance services, namely, installation, repair and maintenance of propellant valves, fill and drain valves, pressure-regulating valves, component parts for fuel systems, and fluid transfer interfaces; waste removal services in the nature of transport of excess and residual material from satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; offtake and fuel waste removal services in the nature of transport of materials for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; all of the foregoing in the field of satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, space stations, space and aerospace-related propulsion systems, rocket engines, space fuel depots and facilities, and other space and aerospace-related applications, including planet, moon, and asteroid applications Technology consultation in the field of satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations, and fueling systems and propellent therefor; Technical and scientific consulting, research and development, engineering, design, and prototyping in the field of aerospace and aerospace-related advance technologies; Providing information in the field of spacecraft, space vehicles, space stations, fueling and propellent systems for use in space, aerospace scientific research, and aerospace industrial research via a website
Fill and drain valves as machine components; pressure-regulating valves as machine components; propellant valves as machine components; pressure regulating valves as machine components; component parts for fuel systems and refueling systems consisting of valves as machine components; Fluid transfer interface in the nature of a machine component for spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations
04 - Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; fuels
07 - Machines and machine tools
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Fuel for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; propellant in the nature of expelled media for powering and maneuvering satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations Fill and drain valves as machine components; pressure-regulating valves as machine components; propellant valves as machine components; pressure regulating valves as machine components; component parts for fuel systems and refueling systems consisting of valves as machine components; Fluid transfer interface in the nature of a machine component for spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations Space vehicles, namely, shuttles and orbital fuel depots Repair, maintenance, and refueling services for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; Installation, repair and maintenance services, namely, installation, repair and maintenance of propellant valves, fill and drain valves, pressure-regulating valves, component parts for fuel systems, and fluid transfer interfaces; waste removal services in the nature of transport of excess and residual material from satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations; offtake and fuel waste removal services in the nature of transport of materials for satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations Technology consultation in the field of satellites, spacecraft, space vehicles, and space stations, and fueling systems and propellent therefor; Technical and scientific consulting, research and development, engineering, design, and prototyping in the field of aerospace and aerospace-related advance technologies; Providing information in the field of spacecraft, space vehicles, space stations, fueling and propellent systems for use in space, aerospace scientific research, and aerospace industrial research via a website
15.
Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods
Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a first coupler configured to be carried by a first space vehicle, and a first valve device carried by the first coupler. The system further includes a second coupler configured to be carried by a second space vehicle and a second valve device carried by the second coupler. The first coupler includes rotatable and translatable latch arms positioned to engage with and connect to the second coupler. The first valve device incudes a moveable probe that is insertable into the second valve device when the latch arms of the first coupler are connected to the second coupler to transfer fluid between the first and second valve devices.
B64G 1/40 - Arrangements or adaptations of propulsion systems
F16L 37/127 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members using hooks hinged about an axis
F16L 37/38 - Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of two pipe-end fittings
16.
MATERIAL TRANSFER INTERFACES FOR SPACE VEHICLES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a first coupler configured to be carried by a first space vehicle, and a first valve device carried by the first coupler. The system further includes a second coupler configured to be carried by a second space vehicle and a second valve device carried by the second coupler. The first coupler includes rotatable and translatable latch arms positioned to engage with and connect to the second coupler. The first valve device incudes a moveable probe that is insertable into the second valve device when the latch arms of the first coupler are connected to the second coupler to transfer fluid between the first and second valve devices.
B64G 1/64 - Systems for coupling or separating cosmonautic vehicles or parts thereof, e.g. docking arrangements
H01R 13/00 - Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups or
F16K 3/26 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution with cylindrical valve members with fluid passages in the valve member
F16L 37/36 - Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in each of two pipe-end fittings with two lift valves being actuated to initiate the flow through the coupling after the two coupling parts are locked against withdrawal
F16L 37/413 - Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of two pipe-end fittings with a lift valve being opened automatically when the coupling is applied the lift valve being of the sleeve type, i.e. a sleeve being telescoped over an inner cylindrical wall
B64G 4/00 - Tools specially adapted for use in space
17.
Systems and methods for delivering, storing, and processing materials in space
Systems and methods for transferring, storing, and/or processing materials, such as fuel or propellant, in space, are disclosed. A representative system includes a flexible container that is changeable between a stowed configuration in which the flexible container is contained within a satellite, and a deployed configuration in which the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The system can include a tanker with a storage container to dock with and refuel a satellite. Another representative system includes a controller programmed with instructions that position a spacecraft with a storage container in a first orbit, transfer the spacecraft to a second orbit, dock the spacecraft with a satellite in the second orbit, transfer material between the storage container and the satellite, undock the spacecraft from the satellite, and, optionally, return the spacecraft to the first orbit. An androgynous coupling system with mechanical and fluid connectors facilitates docking and material transfer.
Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative system includes a coupling mechanism including a support structure, a latch-arm base movably connected to the support structure, and a latch arm pivotably connected to the latch-arm base. Another representative system includes a service valve portion, a coupling portion configured to receive the service valve portion, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the service valve portion to the coupling portion. The coupling mechanism can include latch arms positioned to pivot between a position in which the latch arms are pivoted outwardly and a position in which the latch arms are pivoted inwardly to capture the service valve portion. The latch arm can be carried by a latch-arm base that translates relative to a support structure of the coupling portion. Material transfer interfaces can include self-aligning ports having faces that engage each other with cup-and-cone structures.
Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative system includes a coupling mechanism including a support structure, a latch-arm base movably connected to the support structure, and a latch arm pivotably connected to the latch-arm base. Another representative system includes a service valve portion, a coupling portion configured to receive the service valve portion, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the service valve portion to the coupling portion. The coupling mechanism can include latch arms positioned to pivot between a position in which the latch arms are pivoted outwardly and a position in which the latch arms are pivoted inwardly to capture the service valve portion. The latch arm can be carried by a latch-arm base that translates relative to a support structure of the coupling portion. Material transfer interfaces can include self- aligning ports having faces that engage each other with cup-and-cone structures.
B64D 39/06 - Connecting hose to aircraftDisconnecting hose therefrom
F16L 37/096 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of hooks hinged about an axis
F16L 37/098 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of flexible hooks
F16L 37/12 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members
F16L 37/127 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members using hooks hinged about an axis
F16L 37/133 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members using flexible hooks
20.
MATERIAL TRANSFER INTERFACES FOR SPACE VEHICLES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Material transfer interfaces for space vehicles, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative system includes a coupling mechanism including a support structure, a latch-arm base movably connected to the support structure, and a latch arm pivotably connected to the latch-arm base. Another representative system includes a service valve portion, a coupling portion configured to receive the service valve portion, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the service valve portion to the coupling portion. The coupling mechanism can include latch arms positioned to pivot between a position in which the latch arms are pivoted outwardly and a position in which the latch arms are pivoted inwardly to capture the service valve portion. The latch arm can be carried by a latch-arm base that translates relative to a support structure of the coupling portion. Material transfer interfaces can include self- aligning ports having faces that engage each other with cup-and-cone structures.
F16L 37/127 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members using hooks hinged about an axis
B64D 39/06 - Connecting hose to aircraftDisconnecting hose therefrom
F16L 37/096 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of hooks hinged about an axis
F16L 37/098 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of flexible hooks
F16L 37/12 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members
F16L 37/133 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members using flexible hooks
21.
Systems and methods for creating and automating an enclosed volume with a flexible fuel tank and propellant metering for machine operations
An enclosed volume is provided for performing operations in space, or on any astronomical object, in a manner separated from aspects of the external environment. The enclosed volume can be a flexible container for a satellite. The enclosed volume can include a membrane having a fluid barrier layer and being configured to contain a propellant gas or fluid; and an expulsion device configured to expel material from the membrane. In a stowed configuration, the flexible container is contained within the satellite, and in a deployed configuration, the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The flexible container can inflate from one shape, in the undeployed configuration, to another shape, in a deployed configuration. The other shape can be toroidal or other appropriate shapes. The flexible container can provide bipropellant, blowdown, and gas/fluid metering functionality. Entertainment and game play can be enabled by the enclosed volume involving robots and other devices.
An enclosed volume is provided for performing operations in space, or on any astronomical object, in a manner separated from aspects of the external environment. The enclosed volume can be a flexible container for a satellite. The enclosed volume can include a membrane having a fluid barrier layer and being configured to contain a propellant gas or fluid; and an expulsion device configured to expel material from the membrane. In a stowed configuration, the flexible container is contained within the satellite, and in a deployed configuration, the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The flexible container can inflate from one shape, in the undeployed configuration, to another shape, in a deployed configuration. The other shape can be toroidal or other appropriate shapes. The flexible container can provide bipropellant, blowdown, and gas/fluid metering functionality. Entertainment and game play can be enabled by the enclosed volume involving robots and other devices.
Systems and methods for transferring, storing, and/or processing materials, such as fuel or propellant, in space, are disclosed. A representative system includes a flexible container that is changeable between a stowed configuration in which the flexible container is contained within a satellite, and a deployed configuration in which the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The system can include a tanker with a storage container to dock with and refuel a satellite. Another representative system includes a controller programmed with instructions that position a spacecraft with a storage container in a first orbit, transfer the spacecraft to a second orbit, dock the spacecraft with a satellite in the second orbit, transfer material between the storage container and the satellite, undock the spacecraft from the satellite, and, optionally, return the spacecraft to the first orbit. An androgynous coupling system with mechanical and fluid connectors facilitates docking and material transfer.
Systems and methods for transferring, storing, and/or processing materials, such as fuel or propellant, in space, are disclosed. A representative system includes a flexible container that is changeable between a stowed configuration in which the flexible container is contained within a satellite, and a deployed configuration in which the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The system can include a tanker with a storage container to dock with and refuel a satellite. Another representative system includes a controller programmed with instructions that position a spacecraft with a storage container in a first orbit, transfer the spacecraft to a second orbit, dock the spacecraft with a satellite in the second orbit, transfer material between the storage container and the satellite, undock the spacecraft from the satellite, and, optionally, return the spacecraft to the first orbit. An androgynous coupling system with mechanical and fluid connectors facilitates docking and material transfer.
Systems and methods for transferring, storing, and/or processing materials, such as fuel or propellant, in space, are disclosed. A representative system includes a flexible container that is changeable between a stowed configuration in which the flexible container is contained within a satellite, and a deployed configuration in which the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The system can include a tanker with a storage container to dock with and refuel a satellite. Another representative system includes a controller programmed with instructions that position a spacecraft with a storage container in a first orbit, transfer the spacecraft to a second orbit, dock the spacecraft with a satellite in the second orbit, transfer material between the storage container and the satellite, undock the spacecraft from the satellite, and, optionally, return the spacecraft to the first orbit. An androgynous coupling system with mechanical and fluid connectors facilitates docking and material transfer.
