A reusable modular spacecraft has a spacecraft bus structure configured to support spacecraft subsystems, at least one interchangeable housing component configured to be interchangeably received and supported by the bus structure, and a wireless system configured to permit wireless communication between the at least one interchangeable housing component and spacecraft subsystems supported by the bus structure. In embodiments of the spacecraft, the wireless system includes a wireless hub and a wireless coordinator for wireless transmission of data between the at least one interchangeable housing component and the spacecraft subsystems. An electrical/power transfer interface unit is provided to the at least one interchangeable housing component for transferring electricity, power, data and/or providing thermal management and control.

Disclosed are systems and methods for a distributed space transportation network. Satellite launches to orbit are more efficiently performed by large rockets. Modern satellites are in smaller form factor, leaving the large launch rockets with excess capacity. Small satellite operators can use ride-shares, but do not have efficient options for delivering their satellites to their desired destination and may be forced to operate their satellites in compromise orbits. The disclosed distributed space transportation network maintains a fleet of space tugs, which can dock with satellites in space at an initial arrival destination and transport the satellites to their final destinations. In one embodiment, the space tugs can dock with satellite depots to obtain fuel and repairs.

Disclosed are systems and methods for a distributed space transportation network. Satellite launches to orbit are more efficiently performed by large rockets. Modern satellites are in smaller form factor, leaving the large launch rockets with excess capacity. Small satellite operators can use ride-shares, but do not have efficient options for delivering their satellites to their desired destination and may be forced to operate their satellites in compromise orbits. The disclosed distributed space transportation network maintains a fleet of space tugs, which can dock with satellites in space at an initial arrival destination and transport the satellites to their final destinations. In one embodiment, the space tugs can dock with satellite depots to obtain fuel and repairs.

Systems and methods for growing plants. The systems and methods can be used for growing plants in low, micro, or zero gravity environments. An injection device can inject a fluid or growth medium into the stem or root of a plant. A plant can also be supported on a platform and a light placed below the plant, or in a direction opposite gravity or a acceleration force to promote plant growth in a direction opposite gravity or the acceleration force.

Systems and methods for growing plants. The systems and methods can be used for growing plants in low, micro, or zero gravity environments. An injection device can inject a fluid or growth medium into the stem or root of a plant. A plant can also be supported on a platform and a light placed below the plant, or in a direction opposite gravity or a acceleration force to promote plant growth in a direction opposite gravity or the acceleration force.

A capture system adapted to capture a target space object, including a plurality of articulated arms configured to be deployable from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration to perform capture of the target space object. Each articulated arm includes a plurality of articulated arm segments including a first articulated arm segment coupled at a proximal end to a spacecraft or to a platform deployable from the spacecraft via a first pivoting joint and at least a second articulated arm segment coupled at a proximal end to a distal end of the first articulated arm segment via a second pivoting joint. In one aspect of the capture system, the plurality of articulated arm segments are nestable one within the other, in the stowed configuration, such that the first and second articulated arm segments are intertwined.

A capture system adapted to capture a target space object, including a plurality of articulated arms configured to be deployable from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration to perform capture of the target space object. Each articulated arm includes a plurality of articulated arm segments including a first articulated arm segment coupled at a proximal end to a spacecraft or to a platform deployable from the spacecraft via a first pivoting joint and at least a second articulated arm segment coupled at a proximal end to a distal end of the first articulated arm segment via a second pivoting joint. In one aspect of the capture system, the plurality of articulated arm segments are nestable one within the other, in the stowed configuration, such that the first and second articulated arm segments are intertwined.

A system for producing an object is disclosed including a build device having a build area and a material bonding component to receive portions of a material that are used to produce the object, at least one gripper within the build area to contact the object to provide support and to provide for at least one of a heat sink for the object, a cold sink for the object, and electrical dissipation path from the object, and a movement mechanism to move the build device relative to the object to position the build device at a position to further produce the object. Another system and methods are also disclosed.

A system for producing an object is disclosed including a build device having a build area and a material bonding component to receive portions of a material that are used to produce the object, at least one gripper within the build area to contact the object to provide support and to provide for at least one of a heat sink for the object, a cold sink for the object, and electrical dissipation path from the object, and a movement mechanism to move the build device relative to the object to position the build device at a position to further produce the object. Another system and methods are also disclosed.

The invention comprises a system of using small, hidden, machine-to-machine (M2M) chips to track automobiles through the radio emissions of the chips, and to use M2M chips as a defense against theft generally, by tracking potentially stolen items through the radio emissions of M2M chips. Users can monitor potential theft of the different parts of an automobile because the chips embedded into the automobile components will be constantly communicating with each other. Spacecraft and other near-earth objects, and drones, can also be tracked by M2M chips, that can be designed in a manner that makes them extremely difficult to find. The M2M chips can be designed in numerous different shapes, and use very little power. Some of the M2M chips are silicon wafer chips with small logic gates.