Patent classifications
B64G1/60
Enclosures for facilitating activities in space, and associated systems and methods
Enclosures for facilitating activities in space, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative system includes a spacecraft having an enclosed interior volume (which can be formed by an inflatable membrane) and one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) carried by the spacecraft and positioned to deploy into the enclosed interior volume. The system can include a remote-control system to control the one or more UAVs from a terrestrial location while the spacecraft is in space. A wireless charging system can provide electrical power to the one or more UAVs. A representative method includes configuring one or more controllers to launch a first spacecraft to a first orbit, launch a second spacecraft to a second orbit, move the first spacecraft to the second orbit, dock the first spacecraft with the second spacecraft, and broadcast an event within an interior volume of the first spacecraft to a terrestrial location.
Single-person spacecraft
A single-person spacecraft includes a pressurized crew enclosure, an external equipment bay, and an overhead crown assembly.
Single-person spacecraft
A single-person spacecraft includes a pressurized crew enclosure, an external equipment bay, and an overhead crown assembly.
SPACECRAFT TRASH DISPOSAL APPARATUS AND METHOD
A spacecraft trash disposal apparatus and method are disclosed. The spacecraft trash disposal apparatus includes an airlock, an inflatable trash enclosure holding trash, and a pressure regulating system. The spacecraft trash disposal apparatus permits wet and dry trash to be transported from the inside of a spacecraft via the inflatable trash enclosure holding the trash. The inflatable trash enclosure is ejected to the surrounding vacuum of space without causing trash or liquids to escape from the inflatable trash enclosure. The pressure regulating system permits reduction of pressure inside the inflatable trash enclosure from typically atmospheric to a lower pressure while the airlock is depressurizing without going to a full vacuum. This lower pressure is such that, at a given temperature, the liquid trash is prevented from boiling. The lower pressure permits a lightweight inflatable trash enclosure for low cost spacecraft trash disposal.
Magnetic shield system for spacecraft
A system to create a magnetic field or fields around the outside of a spacecraft to provide protection from cosmic and solar radiation. Electromagnets are placed within one or more layers of the outer shell or surface of a spacecraft and are used to generate magnetic fields. Side electromagnets are placed within one or more of the side layers of the outer shell or surface of the spacecraft and separate configurations of electromagnets are positioned within one or more layers of the outer shell or surface of the spacecraft, in a cross shaped configuration, either Quadrupole electromagnet configuration or two right-angled electromagnet configuration, at the front and rear of the spacecraft in geometric alignment with the opposite poled side positioned electromagnets. Magnetic field lines are channeled around the outside of the spacecraft by use of the right-angled electromagnet configuration or centered on the center of the quadrupole electromagnet configuration.
Moon complex, orbiting docking spaceport, and methods of use and transportation
A moon/planet complex, an orbiting docking spaceport, and transportation vehicles therebetween that includes i) moon/planet base station having a landing platform with a plurality of charged plates; ii) a moon/planet orbiting craft, docking spacecraft having landing platform with a plurality of charged plates; iii) a personnel transport spacecraft to shuttle personnel between an orbiting craft and planetary/moon base station having rotating electromagnetic rings 320 and/or rotating electromagnetic plates to interact with charged plates; iv) a large personnel/cargo transport spacecraft to shuttle personnel between an orbiting craft and planetary base station having rotating electromagnetic plates to interact with charged plates.
Moon complex, orbiting docking spaceport, and methods of use and transportation
A moon/planet complex, an orbiting docking spaceport, and transportation vehicles therebetween that includes i) moon/planet base station having a landing platform with a plurality of charged plates; ii) a moon/planet orbiting craft, docking spacecraft having landing platform with a plurality of charged plates; iii) a personnel transport spacecraft to shuttle personnel between an orbiting craft and planetary/moon base station having rotating electromagnetic rings 320 and/or rotating electromagnetic plates to interact with charged plates; iv) a large personnel/cargo transport spacecraft to shuttle personnel between an orbiting craft and planetary base station having rotating electromagnetic plates to interact with charged plates.
MODULAR PORTABLE MULTI-CREW LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM
A modular, multi-crew life support system and a method of assembling the system involve a fan to draw in ambient air. The system includes one or more assemblies that produce conditioned air from the ambient air, and a housing to support an oxygen source. The system also includes a port configured as an inlet from the oxygen source to augment the conditioned air, and a duct to disperse a result of augmenting the conditioned air as output air to support two or more occupants of an enclosure.
Universal rest seats
A passenger seat assembly includes a seat support and an immobile seat shell mounted on the seat support. The seat shell can include a bench and a backrest. The bench includes a forward edge, an aft edge, and a top surface extending between the forward edge and the aft edge. The backrest can be connected to the aft edge of the bench and can extend in an upward direction from the top surface of the bench. In some cases, the backrest includes an upright portion connected to the bench and angled at a first angle with respect to the top surface of the bench, and a resting portion connected to the bench and angled at a second angle with respect to the top surface of the bench.
CONFIGURABLE VEHICLE SEAT AND METHOD THEREFOR
An adjustable vehicle seat including a seat frame forming a seat back, the seat frame being configured to couple with an aerospace vehicle, and a seat pan coupled to the seat frame, where one or more of the seat frame and the seat pan is configured to couple the seat pan to the seat frame in one of a plurality of positions relative to the seat frame so that an eye position of a seat occupant relative to instrumentation within the aerospace vehicle is decoupled from a size of the seat occupant.