Patents Assigned to ORBION SPACE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
  • Patent number: 12246855
    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.
    Inventor: Lyon B. King
  • Patent number: 12157586
    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
  • Patent number: 11598321
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: ORBION SPACE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Jason D. Sommerville
  • Patent number: 11198523
    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.
    Inventor: Lyon B. King
  • Publication number: 20210310466
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: ORBION SPACE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Jason D. Sommerville