Patent ID: 7387279

Claim:
A supply canister, usable in orbit, comprising: an internal space for containing supply material; at least two docking ports adapted to allow for simultaneous docking of two docking elements, wherein the supply canister is configured to obtain at least one of orbital stability, for stabilizing the supply canister against rotation while in orbit, and propulsion from one or both of the docking elements, wherein each of the two docking elements are in orbit independent of the launch of the supply canister, the two docking ports configured to allow the supply canister to be driven by one of the docking elements into position for docking to the other of the docking elements; and electrical interconnects for connecting a supply canister electrical system with an electrical system of a docking element docked at a docking port of the supply canister or to be docked to a docking port of the supply canister, wherein the supply canister is adapted to be propelled by a propulsion system present in orbit independent of the launch of the supply canister.