Patents Assigned to Orbital Science Corporation
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Patent number: 10553942Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a reconfigurable faceted reflector for producing a plurality of antenna patterns. The reconfigurable reflector includes a backing structure, a plurality of adjusting mechanisms mounted to the backing structure, and a plurality of reflector facets. Each of the plurality of reflector facets is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the position of the reflector facet with which it is coupled. The reflector facets are arranged to produce a first antenna pattern of the plurality of antenna patterns. By adjusting the plurality of adjusting mechanisms, the position of each of the reflector facets coupled to the respective one of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms is adjusted so that the reflector facets are arranged to produce a second antenna pattern of the plurality of antenna patterns.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Jack Yi, Joseph Christopher Cardoso, Martin Edwards
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Patent number: 10419105Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a protected communications architecture in which a pool of limited availability channels are shared through the transmission of encoded symbols with time-varying path diversity by a pool of users. The communications architecture can be managed by a network controller that stores availability data describing the availability of multiple-access satellite communications channels. The network controller allocates a first user to a first time-varying subset of the plurality of multiple-access satellite or terrestrial communications channels based on the availability data. The network controller updates the availability data based on the allocation of the first user. The network controller allocates a second user to a second time-varying subset of the plurality of multiple-access satellite or terrestrial communications channels based on the updated availability data.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Leonard Atkinson
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Patent number: 10020576Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a reconfigurable faceted reflector for producing a plurality of antenna patterns. The reconfigurable reflector includes a backing structure, a plurality of adjusting mechanisms mounted to the backing structure, and a plurality of reflector facets. Each of the plurality of reflector facets is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the position of the reflector facet with which it is coupled. The reflector facets are arranged to produce a first antenna pattern of the plurality of antenna patterns. By adjusting the plurality of adjusting mechanisms, the position of each of the reflector facets coupled to the respective one of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms is adjusted so that the reflector facets are arranged to produce a second antenna pattern of the plurality of antenna patterns.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Jack Yi, Joseph Christopher Cardoso, Martin Edwards
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Patent number: 9960301Abstract: A flexible, lightweight photovoltaic cell array includes one or more individual photovoltaic cell strings attached to a polyimide film substrate and covered with a polyvinyl fluoride film. Each photovoltaic cell string includes one or more photovoltaic cells attached to a flexible printed circuit board. The photovoltaic cell array may be manufactured by a method that includes bonding at least one photovoltaic cell to a flexible printed circuit board, mounting the flexible printed circuit board on a polyimide film substrate, and covering the flexible printed circuit board with a substantially transparent polyvinyl fluoride film.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Robert Minelli
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Patent number: 9686008Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a protected communications architecture in which a pool of limited availability channels are shared through the transmission of encoded symbols with time-varying path diversity by a pool of users. The communications architecture can be managed by a network controller that stores availability data describing the availability of multiple-access satellite communications channels. The network controller allocates a first user to a first time-varying subset of the plurality of multiple-access satellite or terrestrial communications channels based on the availability data. The network controller updates the availability data based on the allocation of the first user. The network controller allocates a second user to a second time-varying subset of the plurality of multiple-access satellite or terrestrial communications channels based on the updated availability data.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Leonard Atkinson
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Patent number: 9673522Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a reconfigurable faceted reflector for producing a plurality of antenna patterns. The reconfigurable reflector includes a backing structure, a plurality of adjusting mechanisms mounted to the backing structure, and a plurality of reflector facets. Each of the plurality of reflector facets is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the position of the reflector facet with which it is coupled. The reflector facets are arranged to produce a first antenna pattern of the plurality of antenna patterns. By adjusting the plurality of adjusting mechanisms, the position of each of the reflector facets coupled to the respective one of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms is adjusted so that the reflector facets are arranged to produce a second antenna pattern of the plurality of antenna patterns.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Jack Yi, Joseph Christopher Cardoso, Martin Edwards
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Patent number: 9231691Abstract: A secondary payload interface for payload communications using a primary payload communications channel is provided. The secondary payload interface may include a plurality of input/output couplers which may connect the primary payload communications channel to a secondary payload. The plurality of input/output couplers may establish an isolated secondary payload communications channel within the primary payload communications channel. The secondary payload interface may be designed such that control and telemetry interactions with the operators of the communications satellite are limited.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Leonard A. Atkinson, Jonathan Howard, Ronald E. Huebner, David A. Anhalt, Nicholas J. Pappageorge, Richard A. Singer
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Patent number: 9214736Abstract: Methods and systems for mitigating disturbances in a dual gridded reflector antenna are provided. An antenna system that includes a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and an intercostal ring is provided. The intercostal ring is configured to connect the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface. A baffle is disposed between the intercostal ring and a path of the electromagnetic waves. The baffle is configured to redirect the electromagnetic waves away from the intercostal ring. Alternatively, the baffle is not present, and the intercostal ring is configured to redirect a perturbed portion of an electromagnetic wave away from wave paths of electromagnetic waves reflected by the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Mohammad Sarehraz, Huiwen Yao, Martin Edwards, Mark Andrew Benson
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Patent number: 9203156Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a reconfigurable faceted reflector for producing a plurality of antenna patterns. The reconfigurable reflector includes a backing structure, a plurality of adjusting mechanisms mounted to the backing structure, and a plurality of reflector facets. Each of the plurality of reflector facets is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the position of the reflector facet with which it is coupled. The reflector facets are arranged to produce a first antenna pattern of the plurality of antenna patterns. By adjusting the plurality of adjusting mechanisms, the position of each of the reflector facets coupled to the respective one of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms is adjusted so that the reflector facets are arranged to produce a second antenna pattern of the plurality of antenna patterns.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Jack Yi, Joseph Christopher Cardoso, Martin Edwards
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Publication number: 20150241190Abstract: An ordnance firing system is disclosed that includes a reusable electronics module and an ordnance module, each enclosed in a separate, sealed housing. The electronics module housing encloses firing electronics for electrically triggering initiation of a detonator in the ordnance module. The electronics module detachably connects to the ordnance modules via a connector which extends away from the electronics module housing. The housing of the ordnance module is constructed to be blast-resistant to prevent detonation of the detonator from rendering the electronics module inoperable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2013Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Orbital Sciences Corporation
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Publication number: 20140305098Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a hybrid liquid propellant rocket engine. In an embodiment, the engine includes a first pump powered by a first turbine, a second pump powered by a second turbine, and a gas generator. An output of the gas generator is connected to the first turbine and the second turbine. The engine further includes a third pump powered by a third turbine, a fourth pump powered by a fourth turbine, and a nozzle having an expander cycle in a wall and a combustion chamber. An output of the third pump is connected to the expander cycle and an output of the wall is connected to the third turbine and the fourth turbine. An output of the fourth pump, an output of the third turbine, and an output of the fourth turbine are connected to the combustion chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Antonio L. Elias
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Patent number: 8573124Abstract: An ordnance firing system is disclosed that includes a reusable electronics module and an ordnance module, each enclosed in a separate, sealed housing. The electronics module housing encloses firing electronics for electrically triggering initiation of a detonator in the ordnance module. The electronics module detachably connects to the ordnance modules via a connector which extends away from the electronics module housing. The housing of the ordnance module is constructed to be blast-resistant to prevent detonation of the detonator from rendering the electronics module inoperable.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Curtis Havran, Jackie Wayne Spears, Karina Ogilvie, Robert John Keller, David Phillips
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Patent number: 8479557Abstract: A shock simulation test apparatus and method utilize a test plate and formed explosive charges to sever or penetrate one or more portions of a suspended test plate in order to subject any attached test item(s) to a realistic pyroshock stimulus. One or more shock measurement sensors, such as accelerometers, may be attached to the test plate or the test item(s) to measure the response to this shock stimulus. The apparatus and method is flexible in that many different scenarios can be simulated from different test plate materials, charge sizes and types. This method replicates actual end-use source shock environments typical in aerospace applications, but can be extended to any industry having a pyroshock environment and test requirement.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Esteen Bottlinger, Jr., Patrick Grosserode, Krzysztof Zbigniew Pennar, Gary Ronald Burnside
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Patent number: 8483888Abstract: Systems and methods for commanding a satellite are provided. A system for commanding a satellite includes a data bus and a payload coupled to the data bus, the payload including a payload receiver. The system further includes a primary receiver coupled to the data bus and a processor coupled to the data bus. The processor configured to receive a first command from the primary receiver via the data bus, and to receive telemetry data from the payload via the data bus. The processor is further configured to detect a second command by processing the telemetry data received from the payload, and to execute the detected second command.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Steven I. Boileau, Bruce Pressley Voris, Christopher Owen Kearney, Michael Lee Schaeffer
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Patent number: 8355359Abstract: A secondary payload interface for payload communications using a primary payload communications channel is provided. The secondary payload interface may include a plurality of input/output couplers which may connect the primary payload communications channel to a secondary payload. The plurality of input/output couplers may establish an isolated secondary payload communications channel within the primary payload communications channel. The secondary payload interface may be designed such that control and telemetry interactions with the operators of the communications satellite are limited.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Leonard A. Atkinson, Jonathan Howard, Ronald E. Huebner, David A. Anhalt, Nicholas J. Pappageorge, Richard A. Singer
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Publication number: 20090292407Abstract: A solar-powered aircraft having a rotating tail assembly and/or a fore assembly is provided. The tail and fore assemblies have solar cells mounted on their upper surfaces and are rotated during flight to track the sun.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventors: Robert J. Minelli, Stephen Haase, Richard Kutyn
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Patent number: 6061387Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting an audio signal in a turbo-coded satellite digital audio broadcasting system is provided that utilizes the combination of a turbo coding system having code combining and code diversity techniques to lower the power required for transmittal and to transmit at a higher code rate of 1/4 by utilizing the puncturing sequence and a pilot signal assisted orthogonal CDMA; the invention includes an improved receiver system that uses modified RAKE receivers in order to mitigate the Rayleigh multipath fading, shadowing, and temporal blockage and improve performance. The invention further uses a terrestrial gap filler network having a reduced amount of gap fillers.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Byung Kwan Yi
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Patent number: 5978365Abstract: Communication systems, including, for example, cell-based mobile communication systems, multiple satellite communication systems, or multibeam satellite systems, require reliable handoff methods between cell-to-cell, beam-to-beam, or satellite-to-satellite respectively. Recent measurement of a CDMA cellular system indicates that the system is in handoff about 30% to 50% of an average call period. Therefore, system reliability during handoff is one of the major system performance parameters and eventually becomes a factor in the overall system capacity. The present invention advantageously relates to novel and improved techniques for handoff in cellular communications, multibeam and multisatellite systems. The present invention combines the soft handoff mechanism wvith a code diversity combining technique (i.e., combining signals from multiple sources), a packet combining technique (i.e., combining multiple signals), and an iterative decoding algorithm (e.g., Turbo Coding).Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Byung Kwan Yi
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Patent number: 5977932Abstract: A helical antenna structure is deformable and capable of being stowed in a small volume. At deployment, the helical antenna structure uses the stored strain energy in its resilient helices to revert to its original shape without the use of any outside force. Multiple antenna structures can be linked using a plurality of resilient lenticular shaped hinges.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Anthony D. Robinson
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Patent number: 5970085Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting an audio signal in a turbo-coded satellite digital audio broadcasting system is provided that utilizes the combination of a turbo coding system having code combining and code diversity techniques to lower the power required for transmittal and to transmit at a higher code rate of 1/4 by utilizing the puncturing sequence and a pilot signal assisted orthogonal CDMA; the invention includes an improved receiver system that uses modified RAKE receivers in order to mitigate the Rayleigh multipath fading, shadowing, and temporal blockage and improve performance. The invention further uses a terrestrial gap filler network having a reduced amount of gap fillers.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Orbital Sciences CorporationInventor: Byung Kwan Yi