How a Host Spacecraft Refuels Another Satellite Without Using Its Fuel Tank
A system where a host satellite carries and attaches small, non-propelled fuel modules to other satellites, feeding propellant directly into their engines to bypass damaged or empty onboard storage.
Original patent title: “Spacecraft servicing devices and related assemblies, systems, and methods”
A system where a host satellite carries and attaches small, non-propelled fuel modules to other satellites, feeding propellant directly into their engines to bypass damaged or empty onboard storage. Granted to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp in 2021 with 21 claims and 1 forward citation.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This system describes a 'mothership' spacecraft that carries multiple small, independent servicing devices. When a target satellite needs a boost but cannot use its own fuel system, the host deploys one of these devices. The device attaches to the target and connects directly to the propulsion system, bypassing the target's existing fuel tanks entirely. This allows the host to service multiple satellites in one mission by dropping off these 'external fuel packs' one by one.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover servicing devices that have their own independent propulsion systems for maneuvering.
- Does not cover traditional refueling methods where fuel is transferred into the target's existing storage tanks.
- Does not cover autonomous docking systems that do not involve a host spacecraft deploying a separate servicing device.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The system bypasses the target's fuel storage entirely. By feeding propellant directly into the propulsion lines, it ignores the target's potentially broken or incompatible internal plumbing.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Northrop Grumman Mission Extension Vehicles (MEV)
Future orbital satellite life-extension missions
Why it matters
The bigger picture
As satellites age, they often run out of fuel while their electronics remain functional. This patent provides a path for extending the life of expensive orbital assets by providing a 'plug-in' fuel source, potentially saving operators billions in replacement costs.
Filed
July 20, 2018
Granted
September 21, 2021
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Northrop Grumman is the primary entity developing this technology through its SpaceLogistics subsidiary. Other players in the satellite servicing market, such as Astroscale and Orbit Fab, are exploring similar concepts for orbital maintenance and fuel delivery.
Market impact
This patent supports the emerging 'in-orbit servicing' market, which aims to transition satellites from disposable hardware to maintainable infrastructure. It helps define the technical requirements for modular servicing, which is essential for the long-term sustainability of the geostationary orbit environment.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This system describes a 'mothership' spacecraft that carries multiple small, independent servicing devices. When a target satellite needs a boost but cannot use its own fuel system, the host deploys one of these devices. The device attaches to the target and connects directly to the propulsion system, bypassing the target's existing fuel tanks entirely. This allows the host to service multiple satellites in one mission by dropping off these 'external fuel packs' one by one.
The clever bit
The system bypasses the target's fuel storage entirely. By feeding propellant directly into the propulsion lines, it ignores the target's potentially broken or incompatible internal plumbing.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover servicing devices that have their own independent propulsion systems for maneuvering.
- Does not cover traditional refueling methods where fuel is transferred into the target's existing storage tanks.
- Does not cover autonomous docking systems that do not involve a host spacecraft deploying a separate servicing device.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
6/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
14/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$53K – $168K
Midpoint $105K · 12.1 yr remaining · industry ×0.9
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
21 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Meyer, T. F., Nicholson, J. G., & Guadagnoli, D. (2021). How a Host Spacecraft Refuels Another Satellite Without Using Its Fuel Tank (U.S. Patent No. 11,124,318). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11124318/starship-belly-flop-maneuver
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How a Host Spacecraft Refuels Another Satellite Without Using Its Fuel Tank cover?
A system where a host satellite carries and attaches small, non-propelled fuel modules to other satellites, feeding propellant directly into their engines to bypass damaged or empty onboard storage.
Who owns patent US 11124318?
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp owns this patent, granted in 2021.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 21, 2041, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 11124318 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
As satellites age, they often run out of fuel while their electronics remain functional. This patent provides a path for extending the life of expensive orbital assets by providing a 'plug-in' fuel source, potentially saving operators billions in replacement costs.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover servicing devices that have their own independent propulsion systems for maneuvering.
Same assignee
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