The Boeing Company

Thomas L Hoffman

Raju Dharmaraj

Patrick A Swartzell

James Michael Engle

Karl David Heiman

Travis Andrew Moseman

Craig Stanton

Berthing systems for visiting spacecraft and associated methods. In one embodiment, a berthing system includes a tunnel having an interface surface that defines a hard capture mating plane for mating with a docking system of a target spacecraft. The berthing system further includes hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface, one or more pressure seals disposed on the interface surface, spring-loaded guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel that are configured to independently slide in the axial direction, and capture latches spaced around the inner peripheral surface that are configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system.

Berthing system for spacecraft

Berthing systems for visiting spacecraft and associated methods. In one embodiment, a non-sealing berthing system includes a tunnel having an interface surface that mates with a docking system of a target spacecraft. The berthing system further includes sliding hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface of the tunnel, preload members disposed circumferentially at the interface surface of the tunnel and configured to extend and retract from the interface surface in an axial direction, guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel, and soft capture petals spaced around the inner peripheral surface of the tunnel. The soft capture petals include capture latches configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system of the target spacecraft.

Non-sealing berthing system for spacecraft

A habitation module that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the habitation module includes a rotating structure that rotates about an axis in relation to a stationary structure. The rotating structure includes a first gravity chamber that projects radially from the rotating structure, and a second gravity chamber that projects radially from the rotating structure in an opposite direction than the first gravity chamber. The first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber are each comprised of a plurality of ring members that form side walls of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber. The ring members are concentric so that the side walls of the first gravity chamber and the second gravity chamber radially extend and radially contract in upon themselves.

Artificial gravity system having gravity chambers with rigid side walls that are extendible

A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber includes an inner cylindrical structure, outer wall segments that are attachable to one another to form an outer cylindrical wall, and opposing side walls having support members that are extendable. The gravity chamber has a first diameter when the support members are contracted, and has a larger second diameter when the support members are extended. The gravity chamber connects to the habitation module with rotating attachment members so that the gravity chamber rotates about an axis. The habitation module also includes an inflatable shell that encompasses the gravity chamber.

Growing community of inventors

Friendswood, TX, United States of America

Thomas L Hoffman