Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) is disclosed. One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: Orbital systems (28, 38) are provided which can be sustained with relatively low propellant requirements. The orbital systems (28, 38) comprise a plurality of earth-relative orbits, at least one of which is outside of the plane defined by the moon's earth-relative orbit (36). Transfers between the earth-relative orbits are achieved by using the moon's gravitational field. The orbital systems (28, 38) could be used to reduce the propellant requirements of lunar missions and could provide economic and life protecting advantages.