Spacehab, Inc.

Clark Thompson

John M Lounge

David A Rossi

A secondary universal communication system enables dedicated and independent communications capability between space vehicle payload elements and ground based communications networks. The system may either utilize existing communications satellites as an intermediate network to provide continuous communications with payload elements, regardless of orientation or configuration of the space vehicle, or may communicate directly with ground stations via down link capability. The system has a navigation system and an inertial measurement system to provide antenna pointing and tracking capability to actively track satellites. The secondary universal communications system can provide supplemental and independent communications capacity to the space vehicle's primary communication system.

Universal communications system for space applications

A universal communication system enables dedicated and independent communications capability to NSTS payload elements and ground based communications networks. The system may either utilize existing communications satellites as an intermediate network to provide continuous communications with payload elements, regardless of orientation or configuration of the NSTS Orbiter, or may communicate directly with ground stations via down link capability. In addition, the universal communications system can provide supplemental and independent communications capacity to the NSTS Orbiter's primary communication system.

The present invention provides an integrated cargo carrier assembly that is compatible with the NSTS Orbiter and space stations located, in Earth orbit. The integrated cargo carrier assembly is capable of carrying various cargo panels on a pallet assembly and includes a pressurized tunnel that provides a translation path for crew members between the crew compartment of the NSTS Orbiter and a pressurized module located in the cargo bay. In addition, the pressurized tunnel can be utilized to carry payloads required to be maintained in a pressurized environment. The combination of the cargo carrying and connectivity features of the integrated cargo carrier assembly eases manifesting and on-orbit operations and greatly reduces the effort required to ground process various cargo. Further, the integrated cargo carrier assembly also eliminates difficulties in mating and de-mating payload to the NSTS Orbiter by providing integral latching means that permits payloads to be easily removed from the carrier on-orbit.

Integrated cargo carrier for space applications

The invention provides a modular system including one or more interchangeable pressurizable body sections, a front end cap and a rear end cap. A tendon array assembly is coupled between the front endcap and the rear endcap. The body sections are preferably coupled together by a flexible seal. The interchangeable pressurizable body sections may be preloaded prior to launch or left vacant for cargo retrieval from an orbiting facility. Once loaded, the various elements of the modular system may be easily assembled with other elements into a plurality of configurations. The modular system can be attached to an orbiting space structure or utilized within the cargo bay of the NSTS Orbiter to provide a wide range of mission objectives.

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Webster, TX, United States of America

Clark Thompson