Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path
Patent
1997-08-07
1999-08-03
Eldred, J. Woodrow
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path
244164, 244169, 244172, B64G 100
Patent
active
059314192
ABSTRACT:
Satellites are launched to a first orbit on a launch rocket. The satellites are connected together, forming a satellite cluster, that is propelled from the first orbit to a higher mission orbit by thrustors on each satellite. The satellite cluster is formed so that satellite cluster rotation from aerodynamic drag on the individual satellites is minimized. The thrustors are sequenced to control satellite cluster attitude during the transition to the second altitude. At the second altitude, the satellites are separated from the satellite cluster and propelled to their mission orbits using their own thrustors and attitude system.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3380687 (1968-04-01), Wrench et al.
patent: 3420470 (1969-01-01), Meyer
patent: 5199672 (1993-04-01), King et al.
patent: 5242135 (1993-09-01), Scott
patent: 5411226 (1995-05-01), Jones et al.
patent: 5605308 (1997-02-01), Quan et al.
patent: 5613653 (1997-03-01), Bombled et al.
patent: 5884866 (1999-03-01), Steinmeyer et al.
Eldred J. Woodrow
Greenstien Robert E.
Honeywell Inc.
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