Patents Assigned to Orbital Science Corporation
  • Patent number: 10553942
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Yi, Joseph Christopher Cardoso, Martin Edwards
  • Patent number: 10419105
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard Atkinson
  • Patent number: 10020576
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Yi, Joseph Christopher Cardoso, Martin Edwards
  • Patent number: 9960301
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Minelli
  • Patent number: 9686008
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9673522
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Yi, Joseph Christopher Cardoso, Martin Edwards
  • Patent number: 9231691
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard A. Atkinson, Jonathan Howard, Ronald E. Huebner, David A. Anhalt, Nicholas J. Pappageorge, Richard A. Singer
  • Patent number: 9214736
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Mohammad Sarehraz, Huiwen Yao, Martin Edwards, Mark Andrew Benson
  • Patent number: 9203156
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Yi, Joseph Christopher Cardoso, Martin Edwards
  • Publication number: 20150241190
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Orbital Sciences Corporation
  • Publication number: 20140305098
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Antonio L. Elias
  • Patent number: 8573124
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis Havran, Jackie Wayne Spears, Karina Ogilvie, Robert John Keller, David Phillips
  • Patent number: 8479557
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Esteen Bottlinger, Jr., Patrick Grosserode, Krzysztof Zbigniew Pennar, Gary Ronald Burnside
  • Patent number: 8483888
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Steven I. Boileau, Bruce Pressley Voris, Christopher Owen Kearney, Michael Lee Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 8355359
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard A. Atkinson, Jonathan Howard, Ronald E. Huebner, David A. Anhalt, Nicholas J. Pappageorge, Richard A. Singer
  • Publication number: 20090292407
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Minelli, Stephen Haase, Richard Kutyn
  • Patent number: 6061387
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Kwan Yi
  • Patent number: 5978365
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Kwan Yi
  • Patent number: 5977932
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5970085
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Kwan Yi