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:
Mar. 02, 2010
Filed:
Jun. 09, 2006
David F. L. Strack, Friendswood, TX (US);
Brian H. Rishikof, Houston, TX (US);
David F. L. Strack, Friendswood, TX (US);
Brian H. Rishikof, Houston, TX (US);
Odyssey Space Research, LLC, Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods to deliver crew, cargo and other logistics services to space platforms. In one embodiment, a rendezvous and docking vehicle (RDV) comprises two docking mechanisms coupled to the RDV body. A pressurizable passageway connects the docking mechanisms. In one embodiment, the two docking mechanisms are different. An alternative embodiment comprises docking mechanisms which are the same. Also included is a flight control system. The flight control system may vary between embodiments, being autonomous, automated, or remotely controlled (e.g., remote pilot). One embodiment can also include a docking control system in the RDV. A propulsion system is coupled to the RDV in some embodiments, and the RDV may be augmented by a mated spacecraft's propulsion system in other embodiments. The mated spacecraft's propulsion system may even be under the control of the RDV.