# How Space Taxis and Locomotives Move Satellites Between Orbits

> A modular system using a small 'rendezvous' vehicle to collect satellites and a larger 'locomotive' vehicle to haul them to their final destination in space.

- **Patent:** US 11492143
- **Original title:** Multi-Orbital Transfer Vehicle constellation and method of use
- **Owner:** Atomos Nuclear and Space Corp
- **Granted:** 2022
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 2
- **Field:** aerospace, telecommunications

## What it does

This patent describes a two-part space transport system designed to move satellites between different orbits efficiently. A small, nimble 'rendezvous vehicle' travels to a satellite's current location, docks with it, and brings it to a larger 'locomotive vehicle' already waiting in orbit. Once connected into a single stack, the locomotive uses its more powerful propulsion system to move the entire assembly to the satellite's target orbit. Finally, the satellite is released to begin its mission. The system is designed to share propellant between the vehicles, allowing for longer missions and more flexibility in how satellites are deployed.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover single-stage orbital transfer vehicles that move satellites without docking to a secondary locomotive.
- Does not cover ground-based launch systems or rockets used to initially put satellites into orbit.
- Does not cover autonomous docking systems that do not specifically utilize the rendezvous-to-locomotive stack architecture.
- Does not cover propulsion systems that do not use the specified ammonia propellant configuration.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in decoupling the 'last mile' delivery (the rendezvous vehicle) from the 'long haul' transit (the locomotive), and specifically enabling the transfer of propellant between these vehicles to extend their operational life.

## Real-world examples

1. Orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs)
2. Space tug infrastructure
3. Satellite servicing missions

## Why it matters

As the number of satellites in orbit increases, moving them to specific, optimal locations becomes expensive and fuel-intensive. This patent provides a blueprint for a 'space tug' infrastructure, potentially reducing the need for every satellite to carry its own massive fuel supply. It represents a shift toward treating space as a logistics network rather than a series of one-off rocket launches.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Space Taxis and Locomotives Move Satellites Between Orbits cover?

A modular system using a small 'rendezvous' vehicle to collect satellites and a larger 'locomotive' vehicle to haul them to their final destination in space.

### Who owns patent US 11492143?

Atomos Nuclear and Space Corp owns this patent, granted in 2022.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on November 8, 2042, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 11492143 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

As the number of satellites in orbit increases, moving them to specific, optimal locations becomes expensive and fuel-intensive. This patent provides a blueprint for a 'space tug' infrastructure, potentially reducing the need for every satellite to carry its own massive fuel supply. It represents a shift toward treating space as a logistics network rather than a series of one-off rocket launches.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover single-stage orbital transfer vehicles that move satellites without docking to a secondary locomotive.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11492143/catching-super-heavy-booster

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11492143

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._