{
  "patent_number": "US 11124318",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How a Host Spacecraft Refuels Another Satellite Without Using Its Fuel Tank",
  "original_title": "Spacecraft servicing devices and related assemblies, systems, and methods",
  "summary": "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.",
  "what_it_does": "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.",
  "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."
  ],
  "filed": "2018-07-20",
  "granted": "2021-09-21",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Northrop Grumman Systems Corp",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/northrop-grumman-systems-corp",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Thomas Fred Meyer",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/thomas-fred-meyer"
    },
    {
      "name": "James Garret Nicholson",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/james-garret-nicholson"
    },
    {
      "name": "Daniel Guadagnoli",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/daniel-guadagnoli"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 1,
  "tags": [
    "aerospace",
    "mechanical"
  ],
  "abstract": "Spacecraft servicing devices and related methods may include a propellant tank configured to store a propellant and to be placed into fluid communication with a portion of the target spacecraft.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11124318/starship-belly-flop-maneuver",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11124318/starship-belly-flop-maneuver/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US11124318",
  "relatedPatents": []
}