Patent ID: 6523783
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
A system for underway replenishment of an orbiting receiving space vehicle comprising:a tether retrieval system coupled to the receiving space vehicle; and at least one orbiting payload adapted to be coupled to the tether retrieval system; wherein tether retrieval system includes a mechanism that retracts the tether to transfer the orbiting payload from a position remote from the receiving space vehicle to a position in close proximity to the receiving vehicle; wherein the mechanism includes a tether system base, a tether reel assembly coupled to the tether system base, a tether coupled to the tether reel assembly at a proximal end thereof, and a tether distal end component coupled to the distal end of the tether; and wherein the tether retrieval system further includes a payload assembly fixture coupled to a delivering space vehicle that enables a plurality of orbiting payloads to be coupled together and attached to the tether distal end component.