US5299764A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
In-space servicing of spacecraft employing artificial life robotics
Assignee: BARON COMPANY Ltd
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Filing: 1993-06-18
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Granted: 1994-04-05
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Expires: 2013-06-18
Abstract
Abstract Artificial life robotics are utilized in a system for in-space service of spacecraft. An Earth Launch Vehicle (ELV) carries an Exoatmospheric Mothership Vehicle (MSV) into a space trajectory. The MSV, in turn, carries at least one Operational Service Vehicle (OSV). The MSV separates from the ELV and rendezvous within station keeping proximity of the spacecraft. The OSV then separates from the MSV for operative approach to the spacecraft. The OSV includes a propulsion/attitude control system and spacecraft servicing apparatus. The OSV carries an on-board "artificial life" computer which controls the OSV propulsion system and spacecraft servicing apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 David R. Scott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 08:31
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06N; G06N3/00; G06N3/004; G06N3/008; B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/10; B64G1/1078; B64G1/1085; B64G1/22; B64G1/24; B64G1/244; B64G1/247; B64G4/00; B64G1/242; B64G1/2427; B64G1/64; B64G1/646; B64G1/6462
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A system for in-space service of a spacecraft, said system comprising: (A) an earth launch vehicle (ELV); (B) an exoatmospheric mothership vehicle (MSV), adapted to (1) be carried into a first space trajectory by said ELV, (2) separate from said ELV, (3) transit to a second space trajectory higher than low earth orbit (LEO), and (4) station keep with said spacecraft; (C) a plurality of Operational Service Vehicles (OSV), adapted to (1) be carried into said second higher space trajectory by said MSV, (2) separate from said MSV at said station keeping distance and (3) operatively approach said spacecraft, each said OSV including (a) propulsion means, and (b) spacecraft servicing means, and (c) behavior control artificial life computer means for autonomously controlling said propulsion means and said servicing means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
129 words
A system for in-space service of a spacecraft, said system comprising: (A) an earth launch vehicle (ELV); (B) an exoatmospheric mothership vehicle (MSV), adapted to (1) be carried into a first space trajectory by said ELV, (2) separate from said ELV, (3) transit to a second space trajectory higher than low earth orbit (LEO), and (4) station keep with said spacecraft; (C) a plurality of Operational Service Vehicles (OSV), adapted to (1) be carried into said second higher space trajectory by said MSV, (2) separate from said MSV at said station keeping distance and (3) operatively approach said spacecraft, each said OSV including (a) propulsion means, and (b) spacecraft servicing means, and (c) behavior control artificial life computer means for autonomously controlling said propulsion means and said servicing means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-04-04 | 1997-10-04 | 1998-04-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-04-04 | 2001-10-04 | 2002-04-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-04-04 | 2005-10-04 | 2006-04-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |