The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 27, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 07, 2000
Larry H. Capots, Mountain View, CA (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US);
Abstract
A spacecraft structure formed of one or more interchangeable modules is disclosed. The modules have two planar surfaces that cooperate to form a cavity, in which spacecraft equipment is housed. The modules are movable from a substantially stacked configuration to a substantially planar configuration. The disclosed spacecraft structure results in an increased ability to dissipate heat, a facilitated integration and testing process, a facilitated servicing process, a more efficient operational environment, and a more efficient use of space. The spacecraft design results in reduced spacecraft manufacturing, test and integration time, which will reduce overall cost, compared to present designs. The spacecraft in deployed, substantially planar configuration can be oriented with a planar surface facing toward or away from Earth or any suitable orientation between these extremes. As a result of the modularity and deployable in-orbit features, some portions of the structure may be deployed at right angles if required by mission constraints.