Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Reusable or returnable
Patent
1989-04-28
1991-06-04
Wendtland, Richard W.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Reusable or returnable
B64G 142
Patent
active
050207431
ABSTRACT:
An acceleration free research laboratory is provided that is confined within a satellite but free of any physical engagement with the walls of the satellite, wherein the laboratory has adequate power, heating cooling and communications services to conduct basic research and development.
An inner part containing the laboratory is positioned at the center-of-mass of a satellite within the satellite's outer shell. The satellite is then positioned such that its main axes are in a position parallel to its main axes are in a position parallel to its flight velocity vector or in the direction of the residual acceleration vector. When the satellite is in its desired orbit, the inner part is set free so as to follow that orbit without contacting the inside walls the outer shell. Sensing means will detect the position of the inner part with respect to the outer shell, and activate control rockets to move the outer shell and thereby reposition the inner part such that it is correctly positioned at the center-of-mass of the satellite. As a consequence, all disturbing forces, such as drag forces, act on the outer shell, and the inner part containing the laboratory, is shielded and is affected only by gravitational forces. Power is supplied to the inner part and to the laboratory by a balanced microwave/laser link; therefore, any radiation pressures created by the operation of this link will be cancelled by the diametrically opposed transmissions, making the net effect of any acceleration created 10.sup.-9 g. or less. This kind of environment is necessary for basic research to study critical phenomena such as the Lambda transition in helium, crystal growth, perform special metals and alloys research, etc.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3369770 (1968-02-01), Cohlan
patent: 3534926 (1970-10-01), Wuenscher
patent: 3785595 (1974-01-01), Fischell
patent: 4408740 (1983-10-01), Kleber
patent: 4896849 (1990-01-01), Moynihan
Friedrich O. von Bun, Owen K. Garriott and Don J. Pearson, "Nano-g Environment on the Orbiter or Space Station", May 1988; pp. 579-583, published in Acta Astronautica, vol. 17, No. 5.
Garriott Owen K.
von Bun Friedrich O.
Adams Harold W.
Clohan, Jr. Paul S.
Marchant R. Dennis
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator
Wendtland Richard W.
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