This inventor holds 1 USPTO granted patent. Top assignee: USA as Represented by Secretary of the Navy. Active years: 2019.
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2019
Title: Shannon Coffey: Innovator in Tethered Spacecraft Technology
Introduction
Shannon Coffey is a notable inventor based in Springfield, VA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of aerospace engineering, particularly in the development of innovative systems for tethered spacecraft. Her work has implications for future space exploration and satellite deployment.
Latest Patents
Coffey holds a patent for a "Separation system and burn wire release mechanism for tethered spacecraft." This invention features a tethered spacecraft with a first endmass and a second endmass connected by a telescoping stacer spring. The spring is coiled around a center rod and is initially contained within a housing, which is affixed to the first endmass. The design allows for the spring to be biased to push the first endmass away from the second endmass. A pretensioned loop holds the endmasses together, and a burnwire release mechanism cuts the loop to deploy the spring. Upon deployment, the spring extends to its full length, forming a cylindrical boom, while the endmasses continue to move outward until stopped by the tether. This innovative mechanism enhances the functionality and efficiency of tethered spacecraft.
Career Highlights
Coffey works for the United States Navy, where she contributes her expertise in aerospace technology. Her role involves collaborating with various teams to advance the capabilities of military and civilian aerospace systems. With her innovative mindset, she has been instrumental in developing technologies that support national defense and space exploration.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Shannon Coffey has worked alongside esteemed colleagues such as Joseph A. Carroll and Paul Oppenheimer. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of groundbreaking technologies.
Conclusion
Shannon Coffey is a pioneering inventor whose work in tethered spacecraft technology exemplifies innovation in aerospace engineering. Her contributions are vital for the advancement of space exploration and satellite deployment systems.