Abstract: To facilitate on-orbit servicing, such as for a refueling operation, techniques are presented for a servicing satellite to cut through the multi-layer insulation blanket of a client satellite to provide access to the client satellite without releasing unacceptable quantities of foreign object debris from the multi-layer insulation. The serving satellite includes a sealing tool, such as a pair of heater rollers, that apply pressure and heat to the insulating blanket to melt the inner layers and seal the outer layers together. The servicing satellite can then use a cutting tool to cut the sealed region and access the client satellite.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 28, 2024
Date of Patent:
February 24, 2026
Assignee:
Lanteris Space LLC
Inventors:
Richard B. Warnock, Jeanine M.W. Olson, Eric V. Werner