公开(公告)号：US20210406490A1

公开(公告)日：2021-12-30

申请号：US17357706

申请日：2021-06-24

Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONAL

Inventor： Samson Phan ,  Leon Tao ,  William Hoskins ,  Scott Gulkin ,  Bryan Klofas ,  Todd Koumrian ,  Michael Cousins

IPC: G06K7/10

Abstract: Small, low-cost satellite systems, like CubeSats or other microsatellites, can exhibit reduced reliability relative to higher-cost satellite systems. This can result in difficulty identifying, communicating with, and tracking such satellite systems when they fail. Provided herein are reliable, low-cost, low-energy, turn-key systems for identification and tracking of small satellites that can be readily added to a microsatellite with minimal integration costs and while occupying a minimal amount of volume, mass, and external area of the host satellite. These systems are electrically isolated from the satellite bus, being powered by internal batteries or other separate energy sources and providing reliable identification and tracking even when the other systems of the satellite have failed. These improved identification and tracking systems include space environment sensors to maintain the system in a very-low-power state while the system is in vehicle processing and transit on Earth, extending device lifetime and reducing cost and weight.

公开(公告)号：US11763107B2

公开(公告)日：2023-09-19

申请号：US17357706

申请日：2021-06-24

Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONAL

Inventor： Samson Phan ,  Leon Tao ,  William Hoskins ,  Scott Gulkin ,  Bryan Klofas ,  Todd Koumrian ,  Michael Cousins

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10366

Abstract: Small, low-cost satellite systems, like CubeSats or other microsatellites, can exhibit reduced reliability relative to higher-cost satellite systems. This can result in difficulty identifying, communicating with, and tracking such satellite systems when they fail. Provided herein are reliable, low-cost, low-energy, turn-key systems for identification and tracking of small satellites that can be readily added to a microsatellite with minimal integration costs and while occupying a minimal amount of volume, mass, and external area of the host satellite. These systems are electrically isolated from the satellite bus, being powered by internal batteries or other separate energy sources and providing reliable identification and tracking even when the other systems of the satellite have failed. These improved identification and tracking systems include space environment sensors to maintain the system in a very-low-power state while the system is in vehicle processing and transit on Earth, extending device lifetime and reducing cost and weight.