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:
Apr. 27, 2010
Filed:
Nov. 03, 2003
Gregory G. Spanjers, Sandia Park, NM (US);
Kevin Mahaffy, Oak Hills, CA (US);
Ronald A. Spores, Tehachapi, CA (US);
David White, Rosamond, CA (US);
Michael Dulligan, Lancaster, CA (US);
Marcy Dulligan, Legal Representative, Lancaster, CA (US);
Hieu Nguyen, Palmdale, CA (US);
Gregory G. Spanjers, Sandia Park, NM (US);
Kevin Mahaffy, Oak Hills, CA (US);
Ronald A. Spores, Tehachapi, CA (US);
David White, Rosamond, CA (US);
Michael Dulligan, Lancaster, CA (US);
Marcy Dulligan, legal representative, Lancaster, CA (US);
Hieu Nguyen, Palmdale, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
Spacecraft thrusters capable of dual-mode operation, and a method of applying propulsion to a spacecraft using a dual-mode thruster are provided. In one embodiment, the thrusters of the current invention can operate as a chemical motor to provide high thrust and low propellant exhaust velocity to achieve fast maneuverability, or as an electric propulsion thruster to provide low thrust and high exhaust velocity to perform maneuvers with a minimal amount of propellant.