Abstract: A spacecraft propulsion system has at least one chemical thruster, at least one electric thruster, a propellant supply arrangement that stores a propellant and a propellant conditioning arrangement configured to convert propellant into chemical species in a thermodynamic phase that can be readily ionized. The propellant is commonly supplied from the propellant storage device to each of the chemical thruster and the electric thruster. The chemical thruster has a gas generator and a high thrust accelerator; the electric thruster has a plasma generator and a high specific impulse accelerator. The propellant supply arrangement is configured to control flow of the propellant from the propellant supply arrangement to the gas generator and the propellant conditioning arrangement, and a first flow path connects propellant supply arrangement with the gas generator, and a second flow path connects propellant supply arrangement with the plasma generator.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a spacecraft in orbit using orbiting modules. Each module has a function such as fuel, transport, communication and payload. A command and control system and logic assembles the modules for missions. After use the modules may be disassembled and parked in orbit. The assembly of modules for a mission is controlled by a logic that assesses the mission requirement, module status and capability and matches resources. The referenced command and control system and logic is used to maneuver vehicles and modules and controls missions. Communications between and among modules and signal sources are facilitated by a language protocol that has a library of commands and responses accessible by signals using divergent communications languages. The protocol also converts common programming language to a language compatible for use by a recipient module, logic or communication satellite or ground station.

Abstract: A spacecraft propulsion system has at least one chemical thruster, at least one electric thruster, a propellant supply arrangement that stores a propellant and a propellant conditioning arrangement configured to convert propellant into chemical species in a thermodynamic phase that can be readily ionized. The propellant is commonly supplied from the propellant storage device to each of the chemical thruster and the electric thruster. The chemical thruster has a gas generator and a high thrust accelerator; the electric thruster has a plasma generator and a high specific impulse accelerator. The propellant supply arrangement is configured to control flow of the propellant from the propellant supply arrangement to the gas generator and the propellant conditioning arrangement, and a first flow path connects propellant supply arrangement with the gas generator, and a second flow path connects propellant supply arrangement with the plasma generator.