Abstract: A transportation node that orbits a celestial body includes a truss having two ends with least at one end of the truss having at least one coupling tether cable with a tether tip at individual ends. The truss, while orbiting the celestial body, rotates around its center of mass in a direction to control the tether tip in relation to a surface of the celestial body and to cancel a relative velocity between the tether tip and the surface for transferring a payload attached to the tether tip to and from the surface. A method of transferring payload to and from a celestial body includes reeling in/out from an orbiting transportation node a coupling tether cable with a tether tip configured to attach to the payload.

Abstract: A space transportation propellant depot has multiple locations, sources and capabilities. Maximizing known mature technologies coupled with realistic industrial techniques results in the incremental development of a propellant source on the moon. Propellant depots are economically driven locations with defined services, sources of propellant and innovation in the pursuit of transportation related commerce as mankind explores for resources beyond Earth.

Abstract: An aerospace frame accommodates propellant tanks for facilitating propellant operations in space. The frame includes at least two plates for supporting the propellant tanks; at least one brace supporting the plates; and a cavity between two plates that accommodates a removable propellant tank.

Abstract: A transportation node system orbits a celestial body. The node system includes a truss having two ends, the truss rotating around its center of mass while orbiting the celestial body. The truss stores payloads. The node system also includes tether tips, each attached to one end of the truss via a tether so that each tether tip can extend from the truss and retract to the truss for transfer of payloads. The tether runs through the length of the truss and connects to each tether tip, each tether tip being capable of engaging payloads. The node further includes at least one tether cable reel that reels in and reels out the tether so the tether tips can extend from and retract to the truss.

Abstract: A platform for storage and transfer of payloads in space includes a plate for supporting a payload, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the payload to and from the plate. A groove extends diametrically between two edges of the plate for receiving a rail provided on the payload. The rail includes a plurality of teeth, and the transfer mechanism includes a gear which interacts with the teeth for moving the rail. Two platforms may be positioned adjacent to each other for transferring a payload. Docking of the two platforms includes engagement of tapered pins and tapered holes on the platforms. In this manner, the grooves of the platforms are aligned. The rail is passed between the grooves of the platforms for transferring the payload between the platforms.

Abstract: A platform for storage and transfer of payloads in space includes a plate for supporting a payload, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the payload to and from the plate. A groove extends diametrically between two edges of the plate for receiving a rail provided on the payload. The rail includes a plurality of teeth, and the transfer mechanism includes a gear which interacts with the teeth for moving the rail. Two platforms may be positioned adjacent to each other for transferring a payload. Docking of the two platforms includes engagement of tapered pins and tapered holes on the platforms. In this manner, the grooves of the platforms are aligned. The rail is passed between the grooves of the platforms for transferring the payload between the platforms.

Abstract: A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space includes frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in storage positions, and transfer mechanisms configured to transfer propellant tanks to and from the storage positions. The platform includes a central structure to which the plural frames are connected at predetermined spaced intervals. The transfer mechanisms include extendable telescoping arms mounted to the central structure. The arms have end effectors configured to grip bands on propellant tanks. Two platforms may be positioned adjacent each other for the transfer of propellant tanks therebetween.

Abstract: A platform for storage and transfer of payloads in space includes a plate for supporting a payload, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the payload to and from the plate. A groove extends diametrically between two edges of the plate for receiving a rail provided on the payload. The rail includes a plurality of teeth, and the transfer mechanism includes a gear which interacts with the teeth for moving the rail. Two platforms may be positioned adjacent to each other for transferring a payload. Docking of the two platforms includes engagement of tapered pins and tapered holes on the platforms. In this manner, the grooves of the platforms are aligned. The rail is passed between the grooves of the platforms for transferring the payload between the platforms.

Abstract: A system for transportation and storage of cargo in space includes one or more platforms. The platforms are operable to hold multiple removable propellant tanks and rendezvous with one or more other platforms in space. The platforms also include one or more thruster systems and positioners. Each positioner has an effector operable to grip a band disposed around each propellant tank. Each positioner is operable to facilitate the transfer of the multiple removable propellant tanks between platforms during the rendezvous.

Abstract: A module incorporating at least one flat end cap is positioned within the payload of the Space Shuttle or other space vehicle to enhance the capabilities of the payload area. The flat end cap reduces the required volume in the launch vehicle to be occupied by the module and provides for efficient use of the interior space of the Space Shuttle by providing more flat surfaces to which necessary equipment can be fastened. The module is truncated, thus adding another flat surface, i.e., a ceiling, to the interior of the vehicle. The truncated top of the module is capable of separate integration and carries additional experiments within racks which can be attached to its interior surface. The module can be fabricated from aluminum members in an aircraft type fashion of construction, or can be assembled from existing or modified Space Lab hardware.