Abstract: An interface assembly for connecting an on-board propulsion system to a testing facility includes a support member configured for coupling to a manipulation system and a mounting member configured for coupling to the on-board propulsion system. A plurality of channels extends between and couples the mounting member to the support member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 13, 2021
Date of Patent:
March 11, 2025
Assignees:
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, ORBION SPACE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Abstract: A thrust generator is provided for producing thrust to move a spacecraft. The thrust generator includes a housing having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is associated with a mount for coupling to the spacecraft. The housing further defines a central axis extending through the first end and the second end. The second end defines an annular propulsion outlet. At least one nozzle is positioned proximate the second end. The thrust generator is selectively operable in a first mode in which the thrust generator uses propellant to electrostatically generate thrust via the annular propulsion outlet, and a second mode in which the thrust generator uses propellant to gas-dynamically generate thrust via the at least one nozzle.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 9, 2020
Date of Patent:
December 3, 2024
Assignee:
ORBION SPACE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Inventors:
Lyon B. King, Jason M. Makela, Jason D. Sommerville, Robert Washeleski
Abstract: A Hall-effect thruster assembly includes a plurality of magnetic sources for creating a magnetic circuit. The plurality of magnetic sources are positioned between a first end and a second, opposite end of the Hall-effect thruster. The plurality of magnetic sources define a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end. The first end is configured as a discharge end. A mount assembly is coupled to the second end. The mount assembly is configured to secure the plurality of magnetic sources to a spacecraft. A magnetic element is supported by the mount assembly. The magnetic element is positioned relative to the plurality of magnetic sources by the mount assembly.
Abstract: An interface assembly for connecting an on-board propulsion system to a testing facility includes a support member configured for coupling to a manipulation system and a mounting member configured for coupling to the on-board propulsion system. A plurality of channels extends between and couples the mounting member to the support member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 5, 2019
Date of Patent:
December 14, 2021
Assignees:
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, ORBION SPACE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Abstract: A Hall-effect thruster assembly includes a plurality of magnetic sources for creating a magnetic circuit. The plurality of magnetic sources are positioned between a first end and a second, opposite end of the Hall-effect thruster. The plurality of magnetic sources define a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end. The first end is configured as a discharge end. A mount assembly is coupled to the second end. The mount assembly is configured to secure the plurality of magnetic sources to a spacecraft. A magnetic element is supported by the mount assembly. The magnetic element is positioned relative to the plurality of magnetic sources by the mount assembly.