Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft structure – Fuel supply
Reexamination Certificate
2006-08-22
2006-08-22
Dinh, Tien (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft structure
Fuel supply
C244S172200
Reexamination Certificate
active
07093800
ABSTRACT:
A method for operating a satellite (10, 34) so that a predetermined amount of propellant is left to perform end-of-life maneuvers is provided. A first pressure differential is established between a first propellant tank (74) and a second propellant tank (76) by pressurizing the first tank (76) with a pressurant. Propellant is transferred from the first tank (74) to the second tank (76). Using precise control during transfer the amount of propellant in the tanks may be determined. The second tank is used for orbit maintenance. The first tank is used for end-of-life maneuvers. Propellant may be transferred between the tanks using a latching process so that a predetermined amount of propellant may be transferred from a non-empty tank to a full tank.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4987775 (1991-01-01), Chobotov
patent: 5058834 (1991-10-01), Hubert
patent: 5143328 (1992-09-01), Leonard
patent: 5158362 (1992-10-01), Brauer et al.
patent: 5251852 (1993-10-01), Pulkowski et al.
patent: 5660358 (1997-08-01), Grafwallner et al.
patent: 6024328 (2000-02-01), Ellison
patent: 6113035 (2000-09-01), Hubert
patent: 6125882 (2000-10-01), Kong
patent: 6135393 (2000-10-01), Sackheim et al.
Jennings Stephen C.
Pham Tuan
Salvatore Jeremiah O.
LandOfFree
Method of operating a satellite for end-of-life maneuvers does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of operating a satellite for end-of-life maneuvers, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of operating a satellite for end-of-life maneuvers will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3675193