A payload interposer (PIP) board provides an interface for hosting payloads on a space vehicle platform. Payload development may be performed via the PIP board in a manner that “abstracts” the hardware of the space vehicle from the payload developer. The PIP board may include a host side payload interface connector that connects to a space vehicle and a payload side payload interface connector that connects to a payload. Power, CDH, and other space vehicle functionality may thus be provided to the payload from the space vehicle via the PIP board.

A space-based solar power station, a power generating satellite module and/or a method for collecting solar radiation and transmitting power generated using electrical current produced therefrom is provided. Power transmitters can be coordinated as a phased array and the power generated by the phased array is transmitted to one or more power receivers to achieve remote wireless power generation and delivery. In many embodiments, a reference signal is distributed within the space-based solar power station to coordinate the phased array. In several embodiments, determinations of the relative locations of the antennas in the array are utilized to evaluate the phase shift and/or amplitude modulation to apply the reference signal at each power transmitter.

A case structure forms a storage space for a first electronic component. The case structure includes a plurality of support posts that are disposed parallel to each other; and a plurality of panels that is provided among the plurality of support posts, the plurality of panels constituting outer walls. At least one panel of the plurality of panels is a panel having an outer surface on which a second electronic component provided, the second electronic component being connected with the first electronic component, and the plurality of panels is attached to the plurality of support posts in a detachable manner along a longitudinal direction of the plurality of support posts.

A feed assembly supplies polysilicon to a growth chamber for growing a crystal ingot from a melt. An example system includes a housing having support rails for receiving one of a granular tray and a chunk tray and a feed material reservoir positioned above the support rails to selectively feed one of either the granular tray or the chunk tray. A valve mechanism and pulse vibrator are also disclosed.

Embodiments described herein include a satellite cover panel for covering a satellite, particularly a payload bay of a satellite comprising an energy storage module, at least one energy generating module defining, at least partially, a first outer surface of the satellite cover panel, and a logic board defining, at least partially, a second outer surface of the satellite cover panel, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface face away from each other and from the energy storage module.

An antenna system is configured for use in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) around Earth. The system has a plurality of antenna satellites coupled together to form a phased array. Each of the plurality of antenna satellites have an antenna body with an antenna and a solar cell. A processing device determines an orientation of the plurality of antenna satellites and position the phased array in the orientation based on an analysis of the solar cell of the antenna bodies facing the sun, the antenna of the antenna bodies facing the Earth, and maintaining a torque equilibrium of the phased array.

Systems and methods for describing, simulating and/or optimizing spaceborne systems and missions. Configurations for spaceborne systems are generated and validated based on simulation output.

Androgynous modular connectors (e.g., modular spacecraft connectors) are disclosed herein. The modular connectors can include prismatic-shaped body with side panels, a base, and a face panel. The face panel can include three or more sides that define an opening. A claw assembly can be housed within the prismatic-shaped body. The claw assembly can include two or more extendable arms. A motor can be housed within the prismatic-shaped body. The motor can be operatively connected to the claw assembly. The motor can be configured to extend and retract the claw assembly.

A lattice system for structures includes a lattice joint housing and a plurality of structural joints. Each of the plurality of structural joints have a side entry slot for insertion of keyed features on a mating lattice member. Each of the plurality of structural joints are configured to facilitate rotation of the mating lattice member, semi-permanently holding the mating lattice member in place with an electro-permanent magnetic (EPM) retaining device.

Various embodiments are directed to interconnectable tiles configured for operation in an aquatic environment or a near-zero/zero gravity environment. The interconnectable tiles are configured to interconnect relative to one another to form interconnected surfaces, and individual interconnectable tiles provide thrust, ballast, and/or buoyancy to the overall interconnected surface so as to move the interconnected surface in a desired configuration.