Troy Allen Fontana

Title: Innovations by Troy Allen Fontana

Introduction

Troy Allen Fontana is a notable inventor based in Torrance, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of spacecraft technology, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to propulsion and control systems.

Latest Patents

Fontana's latest patents include "Reorientation of a spinning spacecraft using gimbaled electric thrusters" and "Spin stabilization of a spacecraft for an orbit maneuver." The first patent describes an apparatus and methods for controlling a spacecraft during a transfer orbit. This spacecraft features a propulsion subsystem equipped with electric thrusters mounted on two-axis gimbal assemblies. The controller identifies a target spin axis, determines the actual spin axis during the transfer orbit, and adjusts the gimbal angles to align the actual spin axis with the target spin axis. It then initiates a burn of the electric thrusters at the specified gimbal angles.

The second patent focuses on the spin stabilization of a spacecraft during an orbit maneuver. It includes a momentum subsystem that stores angular momentum relative to the spacecraft's center of mass, along with a propulsion subsystem featuring electric thrusters. The controller identifies the target spin axis and determines the gimbal angles for the electric thrusters to ensure that thrust forces are parallel to the target spin axis. It also compensates for thruster torque produced during the burn, allowing for precise control of the spacecraft's angular momentum.

Career Highlights

Troy Allen Fontana is currently employed at The Boeing Company, where he applies his expertise in aerospace engineering to develop advanced spacecraft technologies. His work has contributed to the enhancement of spacecraft maneuverability and stability, which are critical for successful missions.

Collaborations

Fontana has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Qinghong W Wang and Alexander Jacob Sobel. Their combined efforts in research and development have further advanced the field of spacecraft technology.

Conclusion

Troy Allen Fontana's innovative patents and contributions to The Boeing Company highlight his significant role in the advancement of spacecraft technology. His work continues to influence the future of aerospace engineering and spacecraft design.