Abstract: A reprovisionable spacecraft and reprovisioning subassemblies for mating with a reprovisionable spacecraft are both described. The reprovisionable spacecraft has one or more mechanical, thermal, data, and or electrical mating interfaces for attaching, powering, and communicating with a reprovisioning subassembly, which for one embodiment is a self-contained thruster unit. The self-contained thruster unit preferably comprises a fuel tank, control electronics, and a thruster assembly. Alternately, a reprovisioning subassembly can comprise a fuel tank and control electronics, a fuel tank, or a thruster. Also, a reprovisionable spacecraft may be carried into orbit without reprovisioning subassemblies attached, and then deployed after reprovisioning subassemblies have been attached to their respective mating interfaces. Reprovisioning utilizing a self-contained thruster unit or tank eliminates the large risk associated with refueling satellites in space.

Abstract: A reprovisionable spacecraft and reprovisioning subassemblies for mating with a reprovisionable spacecraft are both described. The reprovisionable spacecraft has one or more mechanical, thermal, data, and or electrical mating interfaces for attaching, powering, and communicating with a reprovisioning subassembly, which for one embodiment is a self-contained thruster unit. The self-contained thruster unit preferably comprises a fuel tank, control electronics, and a thruster assembly. Alternately, a reprovisioning subassembly can comprise a fuel tank and control electronics, a fuel tank, or a thruster. Also, a reprovisionable spacecraft may be carried into orbit without reprovisioning subassemblies attached, and then deployed after reprovisioning subassemblies have been attached to their respective mating interfaces. Reprovisioning utilizing a self-contained thruster unit or tank eliminates the large risk associated with refueling satellites in space.

Abstract: A satellite life extension spacecraft, comprising a mechanical implement adapted for connection to a parent spacecraft, a first and second boom, a first thruster pod and a second thruster pod attached to the first and second boom, the first pod positioned relative to the second pod such that the center of mass of a parent/child spacecraft can be determined relative to the first and second pod.

Abstract: Transport and in-space assembly of spacecraft from not-qualified-for-launch, low cost parts/modules. Any number of spacecraft or parts thereof are built inexpensively for space usage when they are transported in a manner that does not subject them to stresses of the launch environment. Such spacecraft/parts are transported whole, or in component pieces, in protective containment, i.e., qualified containers which meet all of the applicable safety and performance requirements for containers launched into space. These whole or component pieces of spacecraft may then be tested and deployed and/or assembled and deployed by either robot or human activity. The spacecraft, when at times modular, are assembled so as to form larger structures in space. This piecewise method of construction provides a significant increase in cost-effectiveness concerning both radical spacecraft design and spacecraft-to-launch vehicle qualification processes.