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:
Jun. 29, 2004
Filed:
Nov. 30, 2001
Ronald Capozzi, Little Silver, NJ (US);
Nicholas Chilelli, Bordentown, NJ (US);
Susan Peyton, Cranbury, NJ (US);
Michael Pritchard, Yardley, PA (US);
Henry White, Manalapan, NJ (US);
Emmett Hume, Wrightstown, PA (US);
Sesa Americom, Inc., Princeton, NJ (US);
Abstract
A system and method for controlling a propulsion system of a space-borne object (e.g., a satellite) is based on the principle that temperature in the propellant tank of the propulsion system is directly proportional to the pressure therein. Accordingly, when pressure drops, the system and method maintains a desired pressure in the propellant tank by heating the tank. The amount of heat to be applied is determined based on an evaluation of thruster performance data collected during satellite test maneuvers. Heating of the tank may be coupled with the introduction of helium gas to provide a two-pronged approach for maintaining tank pressure. Alternatively, the helium gas may itself be heated prior to its introduction into the propellant tank. By maintaining a desired tank pressure, efficient performance of the satellite thrusters is assured.