Princeton Satellite Systems, Inc.

Other

Princeton University

Princeton Satelitte Systems

Michael A Paluszek

Yosef Razin

Samuel A Cohen

Pradeep Bhatta

Stephanie Thomas

Eric M Ham

Joseph Mueller

Gary A Pajer

The invention is for a startup system for nuclear fusion engines in space. The combustion of hydrogen and oxygen produces heat that is used by a heat engine to produce electricity. This can be supplemented by electricity from other operating engines. The exhaust from the combustion is condensed and electrolyzed to produce hydrogen and oxygen once the engine is in operation. This provides a constant source of energy for future startups. The engine is started up at partial power in electricity generation mode and this power replaces the power from the combustion as it grows. The combustor uses the same heat engine as the nuclear engine uses for power generation.

In space startup method for nuclear fusion rocket engines

A dipole cancellation system and method may include a plurality of magnetometers for measuring a device magnetic field associated with a plurality of device coils generating a device magnetic field having a primary magnetic dipole moment. A compensating coil carrying a compensating current running a first direction that generates a compensating magnetic field having a compensating magnetic dipole moment. The compensating coil may be positioned and the first current may be selected so that the compensating magnetic dipole moment completely cancels the primary magnetic dipole moment. A method may use the system to stabilize a spacecraft by calculating an estimated torque of the spacecraft, receiving a value for an external magnetic field, receiving a value for a device magnetic field, and calculating and applying a compensating current may be then applied to the compensating coil to cancel the primary magnetic dipole moment, wherein the spacecraft is stabilized.

Magnetic dipole cancellation

The invention is for a multi-sensor multiple hypotheses testing tracking system. The multi-hypothesis testing system associates measurements from multiple sensors with tracks. Measurements are incorporated using a Kalman Filter and the same filters are used to propagate the trajectories of the tracks.

Multi-sensor target tracking using multiple hypothesis testing

Disclosed a multi-sensor multiple hypotheses testing tracking system. The multi-hypothesis testing system associates measurements from multiple sensors with tracks. Measurements are incorporated using a Kalman Filter and the same filters are used to propagate the trajectories of the tracks.

A system and method for producing and controlling high thrust and desirable specific impulse from a continuous fusion reaction is disclosed. The resultant relatively small rocket engine will have lower cost to develop, test, and operate that the prior art, allowing spacecraft missions throughout the planetary system and beyond. The rocket engine method and system includes a reactor chamber and a heating system for heating a stable plasma to produce fusion reactions in the stable plasma. Magnets produce a magnetic field that confines the stable plasma. A fuel injection system and a propellant injection system are included. The propellant injection system injects cold propellant into a gas box at one end of the reactor chamber, where the propellant is ionized into a plasma. The propellant and fusion products are directed out of the reactor chamber through a magnetic nozzle and are detached from the magnetic field lines producing thrust.

Method and apparatus to produce high specific impulse and moderate thrust from a fusion-powered rocket engine

A solar power camouflage system and apparatus are disclosed. The system includes a number of solar panels coupled to a net. The panels colored to produce a camouflage effect. A maximum power point tracking device coupled to the solar panels to manage to maintain the optimal voltage and current drawn through the panels. An energy storage device is coupled to the maximum power point tracking device. A power interface is coupled to said energy storage device to deliver power to other electrical devices.

Solar power camouflage

Provided is a method and system for maneuvering a first spacecraft relative to a nearby second spacecraft that occupies a finite volume of space including obstacles in the vicinity of the second from a measured present relative position to a desired ending relative position. A trajectory is computed for the first spacecraft from the present relative position to the ending relative position using the A* algorithm. One or more thrusters of the first spacecraft are then fired. The first spacecraft's relative position and velocity are then measured and compared to the computed trajectory.

Proximity spacecraft maneuvering

The invention is an efficient matrix converter for wind energy conversion systems (WECS) using permanent magnet DC generators, incorporating control algorithms integrated with rotor aerodynamics, generator dynamics and the wind environment. Using a complete model of the system enables the design of an integrated control scheme for the WECS that improves the overall system efficiency. Estimates of wind velocity and rotor speed measurements are fed forward to the matrix converter subsystem for efficient switching.

Matrix converters for wind energy conversion systems

A vertical axis wind turbine that can be actively controlled is provided. This invention includes mechanisms and methods for enabling high-efficiency wind energy extraction by a vertical axis wind turbine using active pitch and camber control of individual blades. Blade control is further integrated with generator control and power electronics. Integrated control algorithms are systematically constructed, and transmitted to the wind turbine through a wireless communications interface. The interface also allows the user to continuously monitor the state of the wind turbine system. This invention includes sensors and procedures for periodic self-calibration of wind turbine parameters for preserving the long-term efficiency of wind energy extraction. Furthermore, a capability to intelligently interact with other wind turbine systems in a wind-farm setting is incorporated.

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Princeton, NJ, United States of America

Michael A Paluszek