Maxar Technologies has been granted a patent for a spacecraft equipped with robotic arms that can perform on-orbit servicing by cutting through a client satellite’s insulation blanket. The sealing tool applies heat and pressure to seal layers, allowing access without releasing debris. GlobalData’s report on Maxar Technologies gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Maxar Technologies, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Maxar Technologies's grant share as of April 2024 was 69%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
On-orbit servicing spacecraft with cutting and sealing tools
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11970292B2) discloses a spacecraft equipped with a propulsion subsystem and robotic arms designed for servicing operations on other spacecraft in orbit. The robotic arms feature a sealing tool that applies heat and pressure to insulating blankets of target spacecraft to seal and cut specific areas, allowing access for various servicing tasks. The spacecraft controller coordinates the approach to the target spacecraft, grapples it, seals the insulating blanket, cuts it, and gains access for tasks such as refilling fuel or oxidizer tanks, uploading software, or performing diagnostics through external ports.
The spacecraft's sealing tool includes rollers for applying pressure and heat to the insulating blanket, ensuring a secure seal without damaging outer layers. The cutting tool features a static blade for precise cutting at the sealed area. Additionally, the spacecraft controller can seal and cut multiple areas of the insulating blanket before accessing the spacecraft. The method involves approaching the target spacecraft, grappling it, sealing and cutting the insulating blanket, and accessing it for various servicing operations. The process ensures efficient and safe servicing of on-orbit spacecraft, including tasks like refilling fuel or oxidizer tanks, uploading software, and performing diagnostics through external ports, all while maintaining the integrity of the insulating blanket layers.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
