Michael Cousins

Title: The Innovations of Inventor Michael Cousins

Introduction

Michael Cousins, an inventive mind based in Ceres, California, has made significant contributions to the field of satellite technology. Holding one patent, Cousins has focused his efforts on addressing the challenges faced by smaller satellite systems, like CubeSats, which often struggle with reliability and tracking issues.

Latest Patents

Cousins’ noteworthy patent is for a Satellite Identification Tag designed for small, low-cost satellite systems. These systems tend to exhibit lower reliability compared to their higher-cost counterparts, impacting their ability to be identified, communicated with, and tracked when failure occurs. The invention provides a reliable, low-cost, and low-energy solution that can easily be incorporated into microsatellites with minimal integration costs. This system operates independently from the satellite bus, powered by internal batteries or alternative energy sources. Even in the event of full system failures, it continues to ensure reliable identification and tracking. Furthermore, it includes space environment sensors that help maintain a very-low-power state during Earth-bound vehicle processing and transit, thereby prolonging the device's life while reducing costs and weight.

Career Highlights

Cousins is presently employed at SRI International, where he actively contributes to innovative projects aimed at enhancing the performance and reliability of satellite systems. His work in this esteemed institution underscores his commitment to advancing technology in the aerospace sector.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Cousins has collaborated with talented colleagues such as Samson Phan and Leon Tao. These partnerships highlight the collaborative spirit that fosters innovation within the realm of satellite technology, contributing to solutions that meet the demands of modern space exploration.

Conclusion

Michael Cousins exemplifies the role of an inventor in the rapidly evolving field of satellite technology. With his patented Satellite Identification Tag, he addresses significant challenges surrounding small satellite systems. His contributions at SRI International, along with successful collaborations, position him as a key player in the advancement of reliable and efficient satellite systems.