Abstract: A space cargo delivery apparatus and method has a flexible beam member, an end base, and stabilizing thrusters spaced along the length of the beam member for stabilizing and guiding the beam member. The end base is positioned at the distal end of the beam member. The beam member is inflatable so that it can support a compression load. The apparatus further has a retractor, which is connected to a proximal end of the beam member for storing the beam member in a deflated state and for controlling the amount of the beam member extending from the retractor in an inflated state. Alternatively, instead of the stabilizing thrusters, the delivery apparatus can use flexible beam members and a corresponding number of retractors to store the beam members and to control the lengths thereof extending from the retractors so that the end base can move in a relatively straight line.

Abstract: An underway replenishment system is used to deliver payloads and supplies to an orbiting receiving space vehicle. This system combines the advantages of the maneuverability of a delivering space vehicle with the large payload capacity of expendable launch vehicles to minimize payload delivery cost. Large payloads are launched into low orbit with expendable launch vehicles. A delivering space vehicle rendezvous with the independently launched payloads and assembles them into a payload stack. The receiving space vehicle located at a higher orbit deploys a tether towards the orbital path of the delivering space vehicle located at a lower orbit, and the tether is used to capture and retrieve the payload from the delivering space vehicle to the receiving space vehicle.

Abstract: An underway replenishment system is used to deliver payloads and supplies to an orbiting receiving space vehicle. This system combines the advantages of the maneuverability of a delivering space vehicle with the large payload capacity of expendable launch vehicles to minimize payload delivery cost. Large payloads are launched into low orbit with expendable launch vehicles. A delivering space vehicle rendezvous with the independently launched payloads and assembles them into a payload stack. The receiving space vehicle located at a higher orbit deploys a tether towards the orbital path of the delivering space vehicle located at a lower orbit, and the tether is used to capture and retrieve the payload from the delivering space vehicle to the receiving space vehicle.

Abstract: A secondary universal communication system enables dedicated and independent communications capability between space vehicle payload elements and ground based communications networks. The system may either utilize existing communications satellites as an intermediate network to provide continuous communications with payload elements, regardless of orientation or configuration of the space vehicle, or may communicate directly with ground stations via down link capability. The system has a navigation system and an inertial measurement system to provide antenna pointing and tracking capability to actively track satellites. The secondary universal communications system can provide supplemental and independent communications capacity to the space vehicle's primary communication system.

Abstract: A universal communication system enables dedicated and independent communications capability to NSTS payload elements and ground based communications networks. The system may either utilize existing communications satellites as an intermediate network to provide continuous communications with payload elements, regardless of orientation or configuration of the NSTS Orbiter, or may communicate directly with ground stations via down link capability. In addition, the universal communications system can provide supplemental and independent communications capacity to the NSTS Orbiter's primary communication system.

Abstract: A universal communication system enables dedicated and independent communications capability to NSTS payload elements and ground based communications networks. The system may either utilize existing communications satellites as an intermediate network to provide continuous communications with payload elements, regardless of orientation or configuration of the NSTS Orbiter, or may communicate directly with ground stations via down link capability. In addition, the universal communications system can provide supplemental and independent communications capacity to the NSTS Orbiter's primary communication system.

Abstract: The invention provides a variable length mission configurable module that can be readily reconfigured to meet the specific pressurized space and payload requirements for a wide variety of Earth orbit missions. The module system includes a plurality of truncated body portions, a substantially flat forward bulkhead, and a substantially flat aft bulkhead. The plurality of truncated body portions and bulkheads are coupled together, wherein the forward bulkhead is located at a front end of a line of coupled truncated body portions and the aft bulkhead is located at an aft end of the coupled truncated body portions. The number of truncated body portions employed can be readily varied to adjust the overall length, pressurized volume and payload capabilities of the module system to specific mission requirements.