B64G1/6464

Spacecraft servicing devices and related assemblies, systems, and methods

Spacecraft servicing devices or pods and related methods may include a body configured to be deployed from a host spacecraft at a location adjacent a target spacecraft and at least one spacecraft servicing component configured to perform at least one servicing operation on the target spacecraft. The spacecraft servicing device may include a thruster assembly coupled to a boom arm, where the boom arm is configured to alter an orientation of the thruster assembly as the boom arm is rotated about the spacecraft body and a docking device.

Spacecraft servicing devices and related assemblies, systems, and methods

Spacecraft servicing devices and related methods may include a propellant tank configured to store a propellant and to be placed into fluid communication with a portion of the target spacecraft.

FLUID TRANSFER INTERFACE

A fluid transfer interface is provided. The fluid transfer interface includes one or more of first and second interface portions. The first interface portion includes a first portion of a fluid connector and one or more ferromagnetic surfaces. The second interface portion includes an extendable second portion of the fluid connector and one or more electropermanent magnets, laterally disposed around the second portion of the fluid connector, configured to be magnetized or demagnetized in unison. The one or more electropermanent magnets are further configured to provide attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when magnetized and couple the first interface portion to the second interface portion and provide no attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when demagnetized and allow the first interface portion to be decoupled from the second interface portion.

EJECTION DEPLOYMENT AND RETRIEVAL MECHANISM WITH REPEATABLE UNLOCKING AND LOCKING FOR TETHERED SATELLITE AND WORKING METHOD THEREOF

The present invention discloses an ejection deployment and retrieval mechanism for a tethered satellite with repeatable unlocking and locking and a working method thereof, the present invention includes a separation ejection docking assembly and a sub-satellite; the separation ejection docking assembly includes an ejection sleeve, a locking mechanism, and a sub-satellite connector, the ejection sleeve adopts a two-stage internal-external sliding connection and provides initial kinetic energy to the sub-satellite by compressing a spring; the locking mechanism is mounted inside the ejection sleeve, one end of the sub-satellite connector is connected to the sub-satellite, and another end of the sub-satellite connector is slidably engaged with the locking mechanism to complete the locking/unlocking operations of the sub-satellite. The present invention can effectively reduce the complexity of the mechanism and improve the overall reliability of the mechanism without the additional control assembly to control the unlocking and locking of the mechanism.

SEQUENTIAL CONTROL OF ELECTROMAGNETS FOR CUBESAT DOCKING ATTITUDE ALIGNMENT

The present disclosure provides a system for autonomously docking a spacecraft, the system comprising: one or more electromagnets; one or more sensors; and a controller. The controller configured to: identify a target; cause movement of the spacecraft closer to the target; determine a change in an orientation of the one or more electromagnets and the mating adapter on the target; and adjust a current in the one or more electromagnets to produce a torque, wherein the torque causes the spacecraft to align with the target.