Attitude Control Patents (Class 244/164)
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Patent number: 12240632Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for updating data in a computer network. An exemplary method includes: collecting a first set of measured information from a plurality of space vehicles and a second set of measured information from a reference space vehicle; deriving an affine system for each of the space vehicles; deriving a set of physical distance metrics between each of the space vehicles and the reference space vehicle; identifying a set of space vehicles having a physical distance metric below a threshold; upon identifying the set of space vehicles, performing a similarity analysis for each of the identified set of space vehicles producing a set of intercalibration parameters; applying the set of intercalibrations parameters to the affine system of each of the identified set of space vehicles; and forming an ensemble product defining calibrated sensor information from the space vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2022Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Scott A. Imhoff
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Patent number: 12221235Abstract: A cube satellite deployer system having a body plate, a communication unit, a power unit, and a control unit. The body plate is adapted to be connected to a space arm assembly. The communication unit and the power unit are attached to the body plate. Each of the communication unit, power unit, and the control unit are in communication with one another. The body plate is also adapted to receive one or more cube satellite housings. The cube satellite housings are adapted to house and selectively launch one or more of the cube satellites that are housed by the cube satellite housings.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2022Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: SIDUS SPACE, INC.Inventors: Carol Craig, Ryan Jeffrey, Anthony Boschi
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Patent number: 12202628Abstract: Systems and method for controlling the attitude maneuvers of a spacecraft in space are provided. The method automatically generates optimal trajectories in real-time to guide a spacecraft, providing a much more robust and efficient method than predefined trajectories, to model errors or disturbances. These methods do not rely in predefined trajectories and their associated feed-forward term. The systems comprise sensors, attitude control mechanisms, and a control module to orient the spacecraft in real-time, such that the spacecraft reaches a desired target attitude following an optimal path in the state space and is locally and asymptotically stable.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Urugus S.A.Inventor: Mariano Sternheim
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Patent number: 12184392Abstract: Methods and systems including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training and deploying machine-learned communication over RF channels.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2023Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: DeepSig Inc.Inventors: Timothy James O'Shea, James Shea, Ben Hilburn
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Patent number: 12157585Abstract: Systems and methods for pointing photovoltaic arrays for optimal power generation. One or more methods among a plurality of methods for pointing an array may be used by a spacecraft control system to point the array. Example methods to use to point the photovoltaic array relate to analyzing current output, analyzing image data, and analyzing computational knowledge of reflective bodies or light sources. The spacecraft may be further controlled to reduce shadow by re-orienting, receiving light reflected off spacecraft, and orienting a photovoltaic array relative to incoming light sources based on topographic properties of the array such as cell grooves.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2021Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Blue Origin, LLCInventor: Brian Jay Tillotson
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Patent number: 12151833Abstract: An object is to appropriately manage disclosure of information on the orbit of a satellite constellation. An information management device (1000) is installed in at least one of a plurality of management business devices each of which conducts a management business for a plurality of space objects flying in space. A storage unit (1400) stores orbit forecast information (51) including an orbit forecast, which is a forecast value of an orbit of each of the plurality of space objects, and a forecast error that is forecast for the orbit. An information disclosure unit (1100) determines whether the orbit forecast information (51) is to be disclosed to a different information management device, based on a disclosure threshold (141) for determining whether the orbit forecast information (51) is to be disclosed and the forecast error.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventor: Hisayuki Mukae
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Patent number: 12146969Abstract: A space based multi-band GPS/GNSS navigation system, including: RF card to receive and process the two different received navigation signals; a space grade navigation processor configured to: execute processor instructions to process the two different received navigation signals to produce position, velocity, and time information; and process measurements using a Kalman filter for enhanced performance at high altitude.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Munther Hassouneh, Luke Winternitz, Samuel R. Price, Luke J. Thomas, Yan Lu Chen, Jason Mitchell
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Patent number: 12077323Abstract: A method for orbit control of a satellite in orbit around the Earth and for desaturation of an angular momentum storage device of satellite is disclosed having two articulated arms each supporting a propulsion unit. The method includes determining a maneuver plan having at least two thrust maneuvers, a first thrust maneuver to be executed using the propulsion unit of one of the articulated arms and a second thrust maneuver to be executed using the propulsion unit of the other articulated arm, controlling the articulated arms and the propulsion units according to the maneuver plan, at least one of the first and second thrust maneuvers being a thrust maneuver referred to as discontinuous, composed of at least two separate consecutive thrust sub-maneuvers.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SASInventor: Philippe Laurens
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Patent number: 12012232Abstract: A spacecraft attitude control module (1) according to the invention is compact and easy to assemble with additional modules to form an operative attitude control system. The module comprises a robust rectangular, preferably cubic support frame with an attitude control assembly fitted within the confines of the support frame, the assembly including a reference structure comprising a platform, a flywheel support structure (15, 18, 19, 26) and a flywheel (25). The flywheel support structure may be fixed to the platform (10) or it may be a gimbal structure that is rotatable relative to the platform. In the first case the module is a reaction wheel module. In the second case the module is a single gimbal control moment gyroscope module. A preferred embodiment includes a slanted position of the platform (10) relative to the ground plane (100) of the support frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2020Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: Veoware SPRLInventors: Julien Demonty, Julien Tallineau
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Patent number: 11958636Abstract: In a method of facilitating flight operations, a payload is coupled to a spacecraft via a payload interface. The relative alignment of the payload and the spacecraft is dynamically adjusted (e.g., for thrust alignment) while the payload remains coupled to the spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: MOMENTUS SPACE LLCInventors: Matthew Parman, Joel Sercel, Mikhail Kokorich, James Small, Nicholas Simon, Nathan Orr, Samuel Avery, Scott Stanley
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Patent number: 11840498Abstract: A satellite system operates at altitudes between 180 km and 350 km relying on vehicles including an engine to counteract atmospheric drag to maintain near-constant orbit dynamics. The system operates at altitudes that are substantially lower than traditional satellites, reducing size, weight and cost of the vehicles and their constituent subsystems such as optical imagers, radars, and radio links. The system can include a large number of lower cost, mass, and altitude vehicles, enabling revisit times substantially shorter than previous satellite systems. The vehicles spend their orbit at low altitude, high atmospheric density conditions that have heretofore been virtually impossible to consider for stable orbits. Short revisit times at low altitudes enable near-real time imaging at high resolution and low cost. At such altitudes, the system has no impact on space junk issues of traditional LEO orbits, and is self-cleaning in that space junk or disabled craft will de-orbit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Skeyeon, Inc.Inventors: Ronald E. Reedy, Thomas E. Schwartzentruber
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Patent number: 11827382Abstract: A method of roll steering of a spacecraft to align an aspect of the spacecraft, such as the surface of solar arrays carried by the spacecraft, to the sun, is described. The roll steering occurs only when the sun is at an angle (?) relative to the orbital plane of the spacecraft and when the spacecraft is not eclipsed by a body it is orbiting. This dayside-only roll steering of the spacecraft increases the power efficiency of the spacecraft. A spacecraft may include a controller which causes an attitude control subsystem to steer the spacecraft about a roll axis to position the surface of the solar array such that an axis normal to the surface of the solar array is aligned with the direction to a sun when the sun is visible to the spacecraft, and maintain a fixed orientation of the spacecraft about the roll axis when the sun is not visible to the spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Maxar Space LLCInventor: Andrew E. Turner
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Patent number: 11781836Abstract: Model based inertial navigation for a spinning projectile is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Sally Ann Keyes, Calvin Samborski, Dean Richard Wilkens, Dale F. Enns
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Method and system for determining an angular position of a component of a goods processing apparatus
Patent number: 11754391Abstract: A goods processing apparatus can include a pivotable display, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor detects an angle of inclination of the pivotable display. The pivotable display is rotatable about a x-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system. The sensor is disposed on the pivotable display and includes respective transducers at least in a direction of a y-axis and a z-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system. The sensor generates respective digital measured values for each of the y-axis and the z-axis. The controller processes the two digital measured values to derive the angle of inclination of the pivotable display based on the two digital measured values, and stores, in a memory of the goods processing apparatus, the derived angle of inclination.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia GmbHInventors: Karsten Von Der Waydbrink, Tilmann Schilling, Wolf-Alexander Krumholz, Axel Ortmann, Wolfgang Muhl, Matthias Lorenzen -
Patent number: 11738888Abstract: A spacecraft has a flat antenna array having an edge and a middle portion. A reconfigurable reaction-momentum wheel is coupled to the antenna array to roll and/or pitch the antenna array in small magnitudes. The reconfigurable reaction-momentum has a reaction operating state or mode (high-torque, low momentum) and a momentum operating state or mode (low-torque, high momentum). A thruster is coupled to the antenna array to move the antenna array.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: AST & Science, LLCInventors: Darko Filipi, Abel Avellan, William E. Bialke, Daniele Addari, Darren J. Zanon, Adam H. Halperin, Huiwen Yao
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Patent number: 11691765Abstract: A method and system for activating thrusters of a vehicle for trajectory-tracking control of the vehicle. A transfer orbit generator to generate a transfer orbit for the vehicle from an initial orbit to a target orbit, and a feedback stabilization controller. Compute the target orbit for the vehicle about the celestial body. Compute a free trajectory with patch points along the free trajectory using a free trajectory module, each patch point includes a position and a velocity. Determine a feedback gain at each patch point using a feedback gain module, wherein a state penalty function at each patch point is set to match a state uncertainty function at the same patch point. Apply the feedback gain at each patch point to map the position and the velocity at each patch point to delta v commands, to maintain the target orbit using a feedback stabilization controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC RESEARCH LABORATORIES INC.Inventors: Uros Kalabic, Vivek Muralidharan, Avishai Weiss
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Patent number: 11530054Abstract: A spacecraft nutation inhibition method for low-orbit geomagnetic energy storage in-orbit delivery includes: S1, enabling a delivery connection rod to be slidably connected to two mass blocks in a length direction, and adjusting the center of mass of a spacecraft system to pass through a main connecting shaft; S2, respectively measuring, calibrating and adjusting the center of mass and the principal axis of inertia of the delivery connection rod that is to deliver the space target or de-orbit debris; S3, carrying out energy storage delivery; S4, respectively adjusting the center of mass and the moment of inertia of the delivery connection rod after delivering the space target or de-orbit debris; S5, carrying out energy dissipation and unloading; and S6, enabling the spacecraft system to prepare to grab the next space target or de-orbit debris and proceeding to the next delivery work cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignees: INSTITUTE OF MECHANICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, GUANGDONG ACADEMY OF AEROSPACE RESEARCH IMECH, CASInventors: Wenhao Li, Heng Zhang, Guanhua Feng, Chen Zhang, Lei Yang, Linli Lv
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Patent number: 11473884Abstract: A kinetic energy vehicle (or warhead) has a divert thruster system and an attitude control system, both operatively coupled to receive pressurized gasses from a solid rocket motor that is operatively coupled to both systems. The divert thruster system may have three divert thrusters evenly spaced around a circumference of the vehicle, offset 120 degrees from each other. The divert thrusters are located at a longitudinal (axial) location along the vehicle at or close to a center of gravity of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle may have an aft axial thrusters that may be used in maneuvering the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Huy P. Nguyen, Rob J. Fuentes, Michael Schmidt
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Patent number: 11471717Abstract: The system for very early detection and suppression of fires is comprised of the network of low orbiting micro-satellites, local drones, processing and communication equipment and fire suppression capabilities with fire retardants and water delivered by drones, helicopters, planes and/or ground fire crews. Micro-satellites and drones are equipped with very sensitive, high resolution imaging spectrometers operating in multiple visible and infrared wavelengths. Processors are used to analyze spectroscopic micro-satellite images to detect fires and to verify validity of fire detection by analysis of spectroscopic drone images. The system can prevent large wild fires anywhere in the world rapidly with high detection sensitivity and reliability.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Inventor: Vlad Novotny
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Patent number: 11459133Abstract: A method is provided for realigning or relieving mechanical stress in a spacecraft frame. The process includes providing a spacecraft which includes at least two frame subsections connected by a mechanical connector. The mechanical connector provides both a soft dock connection which mechanically connects the two frame subsections but allows relative movement between the two frame sections and a hard dock connection which mechanically connects the two frame subsections but does not allow relative movement between the two frame sections. Once in space, a controller causes the mechanical connector to transition from a hard dock connection to a soft dock connection, which is maintained for a predetermined time period to realign or relieve stress within the spacecraft frame. Thereafter, the controller causes the mechanical connector to transition from the soft dock connection back to the hard dock connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: NOVAWURKS, INC.Inventor: Talbot Jaeger
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Patent number: 11459132Abstract: Described herein is a method of constructing a landing pad using a rocket engine while in-flight. Among other benefits, this method can reduce ejecta that otherwise would occur during landing on an unimproved surface. While a spacecraft is hovering over an unimproved surface, the spacecraft can inject particles into its rocket engine, after which the particles absorb heat from the engine and are projected at ballistic speeds toward the unimproved surface to create a landing pad. After constructing the landing pad and waiting for the landing pad to cool, the spacecraft can land on the landing pad. Also described herein are landing pads created from such particles as they impact the surface in a disc splat mode into the unimproved surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Masten Space Systems, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Kuhns
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Patent number: 11394873Abstract: A control apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect an object from an image captured by an imaging apparatus, a control unit configured to control a drive unit in such a manner that an imaging direction of the imaging apparatus is changed following a movement of the object detected by the detection unit, and a determination unit configured to determine information about the movement of the object detected by the detection unit. The control unit controls drive frequency of the drive unit based on the information about the movement determined by the determination unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryo Tanaka
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Patent number: 11358670Abstract: The invention obtains a straddle-type vehicle information processor and a straddle-type vehicle information processing method capable of recognizing that a traveling straddle-type vehicle enters a falling phase with a high degree of accuracy at appropriate timing and thereby contributes to improvement in occupant safety. A straddle-type vehicle information processor 10 includes: a posture information acquisition section 11 that at least acquires a roll rate Rr and a yaw rate Ry generated in a traveling straddle-type vehicle 1 as posture information; and a falling phase recognition section 12 that recognizes that the straddle-type vehicle 1 enters a falling phase in the case where a change in a degree of instability over time, which is derived at least on the basis of the roll rate Rr and the yaw rate Ry, shows an increasing tendency.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Fukuzawa Keiichiro
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Patent number: 11353301Abstract: A kinetic energy vehicle (or warhead) has a divert thruster system and an attitude control system, both operatively coupled to receive pressurized gasses from a solid rocket motor that is operatively coupled to both systems. The attitude control system may have two pairs of attitude control thrusters, with one of the pairs diametrically opposed from the other pair, on opposite sides of an end (such as a rear end) of the vehicle. The attitude control thrusters all have radial and circumferential components to their thrust, and various combinations of the attitude control thrusters may be used to achieve desired roll, pitch, and/or yaw.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Huy P. Nguyen, Rob J. Fuentes, Michael Schmidt
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Patent number: 11346495Abstract: A control method for a non-orthogonal gimbal includes obtaining an actual attitude of the gimbal, determining a target attitude of the gimbal according to the actual attitude of the gimbal and an angle between a first rotation axis of a first drive motor and a second rotation axis of a second drive motor, determining an attitude error according to the actual attitude and the target attitude, and controlling one or more of a plurality of drive motors according to the attitude error to cause the gimbal to approach the target attitude. The gimbal includes the plurality of drive motors including the first drive motor, the second drive motor, and the third drive motor. The gimbal further includes a base, a first axis arm, a second axis arm, and a third axis arm.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Tie Su, Zihan Chen
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Patent number: 11338944Abstract: A control system configured to execute a safing mode sequence for a spacecraft is disclosed. The control system includes one or more star trackers that each include a field of view to capture light from a plurality of space objects surrounding the celestial body. The control system also includes one or more actuators, one or more processors in electronic communication with the one or more actuators, and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory stores data into a database and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the control system to determine a current attitude of the spacecraft, and re-orient the spacecraft from a current attitude into a momentum neutral attitude.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Cecilia G. Cantu, Gary E. Lemke, John Preston Charles Mills, Christopher James Wasson
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Patent number: 11225337Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for calculating satellite access windows for a constellation of imaging satellites. In some implementations, systems and methods are provided for managing execution of native programs on high performance computing systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Planet Labs TB, Inc.Inventor: Sean Augenstein
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Patent number: 11174047Abstract: A control system for a spacecraft for determining a resultant torque that is exerted upon a spacecraft by one or more magnetic torque rods is disclosed. The spacecraft is configured to revolve around a celestial body in an orbit. A magnetic field of the celestial body is predictable, and a direction of the magnetic field located around the orbit is fixed. The control system includes the one or more magnetic torque rods, one or more processors in electronic communication with the one or more magnetic torque rods, and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory stores data into a database and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the control system to instruct the one or more magnetic torque rods to exert the resultant torque upon the spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gary E. Lemke, John Preston Charles Mills, Christopher James Wasson, Cecilia G. Cantu
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Patent number: 11142351Abstract: Provided are an earth satellite attitude data fusion system and method, applicable to an earth satellite space environment to estimate attitude data of a satellite. When the earth satellite attitude data fusion system of the present invention is used to perform the earth satellite attitude data fusion method, the first step is to perform a body rates/quaternion attitude data processing operation. Then, the next step is to perform an attitude/rates data fusion processing operation, wherein an attitude data fusion algorithm module receives a first IAE result data from a first EKF, and a second IAE result data from a second EKF, and performs an attitude/rates data fusion algorithm in a subsystem level to evaluate an attitude estimation IAE performance based on the first IAE result data, and the second IAE result data.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIESInventors: Ying-Wen Jan, Ming-Yu Yeh, Wei-Ting Wei, Yeong-Wei Wu
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Patent number: 11066194Abstract: A method for the safe release of artificial satellite in Earth orbit includes the steps of providing an orbital transport spacecraft able to move at orbital height and comprising a plurality of PODs for releasing satellites transported by the orbital transport spacecraft, housing said orbital transport spacecraft in a space launcher configured to reach an orbital height; generating a release signal and transmitting it to the orbital transport spacecraft to release the orbital transport spacecraft from the space launcher, in case of failure to release the orbital transport spacecraft or in case of breakdown of the orbital transport spacecraft after releasing from the space launcher, activating a safety subsystem of the orbital transport spacecraft to generate a POD activation sequence to release the satellites.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: D-ORBIT S.P.A.Inventors: Luca Rossettini, Lorenzo Ferrario, Lorenzo Arena
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Patent number: 11066190Abstract: A method of deploying a constellation of satellites includes using a single launch vehicle to deploy a plurality of satellites at an initial altitude on a same initial orbit, controlling said satellites such that an altitude of some of the satellites is modified while their inclination relative to an equatorial plane and a type of trajectory, of the some of the satellites, remains identical so that each satellite reaches a drift altitude selected from a drift set, with orbits of various satellites shifting relative to one another, and controlling the satellites to be moved sequentially in order to reach a same final altitude, said sequential movement being performed in such a manner that the satellites describe final orbits having trajectories with a same angle of inclination relative to the equatorial plane, a same apogee and perigee, and the same final altitude but presenting distinct longitudes for ascending nodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Frédéric Marchandise, Pamela Simontacchi, Perrine Mathieu
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Patent number: 11063362Abstract: A portable flat panel antenna system and method for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the portable satellite antenna apparatus comprises a flat panel antenna and a container to house the antenna, the container having at least one radio-frequency (RF) transparent material through which the antenna is operable to transmit and receive satellite communications.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: KYMETA CORPORATIONInventors: Ben Posthuma, Adam Nonis, David Lamme
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Patent number: 11049088Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for managing peer-to-peer transfers. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for initiating and managing transfers. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces corresponding to completed transfers. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for providing visually distinguishable message object appearances based on message designation. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for activating accounts for accepting and sending transfers. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for exchanging accounts for use in a transfer. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for splitting transfers between two or more accounts. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for generating and displaying a transfers history list. In some examples, a device provides user interfaces for voice-activation of transfers.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2020Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Marcel Van Os, Peter D. Anton, Jared Crawford, Allison Dryer, Cas Lemmens
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Patent number: 11014670Abstract: A method for the deployment of reconnaissance devices including buoy cameras and robotic devices in a target mission area of a remote location in space utilizing a maneuverable descent de-booster capsule and a buoyant vessel for the deployment is disclosed, including identifying the target area from an orbiting spacecraft; deploying the de-booster into orbit over the target area; initiating gradual descent of the de-booster in the atmosphere of the remote location in space; ejecting the buoyant vessel and its payload from the de-booster; filling the buoyant portion of the buoyant vessel with a lifting gas to cause the buoyant portion to become a large balloon; activating reconnaissance devices on the bay portion of the buoyant vessel, including video and other devices for monitoring and surveiling the target mission area; maneuvering the buoyant vessel to refine mission site selection; opening cargo bay doors at a predetermined altitude to deliver payloads including buoy cameras to the target mission area; caType: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Inventor: Kenneth Dean Stephens, Jr.
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Patent number: 10981678Abstract: A system for providing spacecraft-based services, preferably including one or more spacecraft and one or more ground control elements, wherein the spacecraft can include one or more payloads associated with one or more organizations. A method for providing spacecraft-based services, preferably including receiving service requests, determining request assignments, and/or controlling spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Loft Orbital Solutions Inc.Inventors: Pierre-Damien Vaujour, Lucas Bremond
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Patent number: 10830864Abstract: A system and a method for identifying and tracking unacknowledged marine vessels. The system includes a sensing system having one or more observation platforms positioned remotely above one or more marine vessels, each with a navigation system, and one or more payloads coupled to the observation platform(s). The payloads have one or more optical receivers to observe, geolocate, and receive optical emissions from the marine vessels to detect optical signatures. The payloads have one or more AIS receivers to observe, geolocate, and receive AIS emissions from the marine vessels to detect AIS signatures. The payloads have one or more RF receivers to receive RF emissions from the marine vessels to detect RF signatures. The payloads have at least one processor with an analysis software to process and analyze the optical, AIS, and RF signatures, to identify and track one or more unacknowledged marine vessels from the marine vessels.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Erik S. Daehler
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Patent number: 10779167Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein relate to determining a projected change in bandwidth demand in a specified area during a specified future time period, repositioning one or more balloons in a high-altitude balloon network based on the projected change in bandwidth demand, and providing, using the one or more balloons, at least a portion of the bandwidth demanded in the specified area during the specified future time period.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Loon LLCInventors: Eric Teller, William Graham Patrick
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Patent number: 10763967Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously receiving and transmitting data in space may include a receiver configured to receive an incoming beam transmitted from a source along a receive vector between the source and the receiver. The apparatus may also include a transmitter to generate a transmitted beam along a transmit vector. The apparatus may further include a single-axis gimbal configured to rotate the transmit vector about an axis substantially perpendicular to the receive vector, and an attitude-control system configured to rotate the apparatus about an axis parallel to the receive vector or the transmit vector.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventor: Richard P. Welle
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Patent number: 10649014Abstract: A method measures a frequency characteristic at a feed axis control unit configured to drive a motor in accordance with a velocity command value to control a velocity or a position of a movable portion of a driven body. The velocity command value includes a velocity reference value from a host device or a velocity command calculator and a sweep signal swept in order to measure the frequency characteristic. The method includes moving the feed axis in one direction by commanding the velocity reference value where a moving velocity of the feed axis is constant, exciting by providing a sine wave having an amplitude less than a magnitude of the velocity reference value to the sweep signal, and measuring the frequency characteristic of a feed axis drive system including the motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Okuma CorporationInventors: Masashi Miyaji, Takashi Norihisa
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Patent number: 10543939Abstract: An orbiting satellite can be maintained in a virtual orbit, having an orbital period equal to the natural orbit of a satellite at a different altitude, by equipping the satellite with at least one radial thruster. Radial thrusters on the anti-nadir-facing side of the satellite allow for virtual orbits higher than the natural altitude, while radial thrusters on the nadir-facing side of the satellite allow for virtual orbits lower than the natural altitude. This allows a satellite to evade threats, such as orbital debris and/or hostile spacecraft, without losing its relative position within a satellite constellation or experiencing the diminished services often attendant such maneuvers. Similar techniques can also be used for surveillance of orbiting satellites.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Inventor: Marshall H. Kaplan
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Patent number: 10538342Abstract: Techniques for orienting an earth-orbiting spacecraft include determining, using a star tracker on board the spacecraft, a first vector aligned between an ecliptic pole of the earth and the spacecraft, adjusting attitude of the spacecraft so as to align a first axis of the spacecraft with the first vector, and rotating the spacecraft about the first axis until presence of the sun is registered. Rotation rates may be subsequently reduced, such that the sun remains within a field of view of the sun sensor or of a solar array of the spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLCInventor: John Hutton Cooper
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Patent number: 10474252Abstract: Included herein is an electronic pen (100) with pen position detection, comprising at least a writing lead (113), at least an electric voltage source (103), at least one digital control unit (120) and at least one data transfer module (111), characterized in that the electronic pen (100) comprises at least three position determination sensors (105, 112, 104), wherein said determination sensors are configured such that from their measurement data an over-determination of the position and/or movement of the electronic pen (100) can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Stabilo International GmbHInventor: Karl-Peter Kaempf
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Patent number: 10464694Abstract: A spacecraft includes at least a first thruster support mechanism (TSM) and a second TSM, each TSM including a pointing arrangement, an elongated structural member and thruster for performing orbit raising north-south stationkeeping, east-west stationkeeping, and momentum management. A first pointing arrangement is articulable only by way of first and second revolute joints, the first revolute joint being rotatable about a first axis fixed with respect to the spacecraft. The second pointing arrangement is articulable only by way of third and fourth revolute joints, the third revolute joint being rotatable about a third axis fixed with respect to the spacecraft. The first axis and the third axis are asymmetrically arranged with respect to a spacecraft coordinate system origin such that the first and third axis are at acute angles to a spacecraft pitch axis and the acute angle of the first axis is less than that of the third axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLCInventors: Robert Erik Schwarz, Jason J. Chiang, Xenophon H. Price, Darren R. Stratemeier, Eric V. Werner
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Patent number: 10439705Abstract: Drone-based wireless communications systems are provided, as are methods carried-out by such wireless communications systems. In one embodiment, the wireless communications system includes a Satellite Signal Transformation (SST) unit and a plurality of aerial network drones, which can be deployed over a designated geographical area to form a multi-drone network thereover. During operation, the SST unit transmits a network source signal, which contains content extracted from a satellite signal. The multi-drone network receives the network source signal, disseminates drone relay signals containing the content through the multi-drone network, and broadcastings user device signals containing the content over the designated geographical area.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.Inventors: Chris Hardy, Paul Bellotti
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Patent number: 10382970Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein relate to determining a projected change in bandwidth demand in a specified area during a specified future time period, repositioning one or more balloons in a high-altitude balloon network based on the projected change in bandwidth demand, and providing, using the one or more balloons, at least a portion of the bandwidth demanded in the specified area during the specified future time period.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Eric Teller, William Graham Patrick
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Patent number: 10371821Abstract: A navigation satellite signal reception apparatus includes a satellite antenna; a satellite orbital information collection unit that collects orbital information of a navigation satellite; a peripheral environment spatial information collection unit that collects spatial information for a peripheral environment of an installation position of the satellite antenna; a positional information collection unit that collects positional information for the installation position of the satellite antenna; and a signal correction unit that performs a determination process to determine whether a navigation satellite associated with the received satellite signal is in a directly viewable state or in a non-directly-viewable state from the installation position of the satellite antenna, and that performs a correction process on a satellite signal from a navigation satellite in an NLOS state, on the assumption that the satellite signal is a reflected wave.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATIONInventors: Keisuke Nishi, Seiji Yoshida, Takashi Hirose
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Patent number: 10324161Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon-based positioning system and method. In one example embodiment, a system includes a group of at least three balloons deployed in the stratosphere and a control system configured for: determining a first set of spatial relationships relating to the group; determining a second set of spatial relationships relating to at least a portion of the group and to a reference point; determining a position of the reference point relative to the earth; using the determined first set, the determined second set, and the determined position of the reference point relative to the earth as a basis for determining a position of a target balloon in the group relative to the earth; and transmitting the determined position of the target balloon relative to the earth.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Loon LLCInventors: Keith Bonawitz, Richard Wayne DeVaul, Eric Teller, Joshua Weaver
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Patent number: 10315784Abstract: A CubeSat side panel with an additional storage compartment includes a satellite endcap, a hinge assembly, and at least one CubeSat component. A plurality of lateral lips and a top extremity of the satellite endcap delineate a storage compartment within the satellite endcap. The storage compartment allows the Cubesat component to be mounted upon an inner surface of the satellite endcap. The hinge assembly connects the satellite endcap to a frame of the CubeSat thus allowing the CubeSat side panel to open upward and away from the CubeSat. Resultantly, the hinge assembly provides easy access to the Cubesat component of the satellite endcap and other existing components that are positioned within the frame of the CubeSat.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Inventor: Matthew J Leonard
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Patent number: 10220966Abstract: A satellite has thrusters that are integral parts of its frame. The frame defines cavities therein where thrusters are located. The thrusters may include an electrically-operated propellant and electrodes to activate combustion in the electrically-operated propellant. The frame may be additively manufactured, and the propellant and/or the electrodes may also be additively manufactured, with the frame and the propellant and/or the electrodes also being manufactured in a single process. In addition the thrusters may have nozzle portions through which combustion gases exit the thrusters. The thrusters may be located at corners and/or along edges of the frame, and may be used to accomplish any of a variety of maneuvers for the satellite. The satellite may be a small satellite, such as a CubeSat satellite, for instance having a volume of about 1 liter, and a mass of no more than about 1.33 kg.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Frederick B. Koehler, Jeremy C. Danforth, Ward D. Lyman, Mark T. Langhenry, Matt H. Summers, Paul E. Pontius, Brian M. Pape, Jared D. Stallings, James K. Villarreal, Thomas Villarreal
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Patent number: 10215785Abstract: A signal processing device includes a Kalman filter that extracts a DC component of an input signal by performing Kalman filter processing on the basis of observation noise and system noise which are estimated from the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Hideo Haneda