To facilitate on-orbit servicing, such as for a refueling operation, techniques are presented for a servicing satellite to cut through the multi-layer insulation blanket of a client satellite to provide access to the client satellite without releasing unacceptable quantities of foreign object debris from the multi-layer insulation. The serving satellite includes a sealing tool, such as a pair of heater rollers, that apply pressure and heat to the insulating blanket to melt the inner layers and seal the outer layers together. The servicing satellite can then use a cutting tool to cut the sealed region and access the client satellite.
SEALING OF MULTI-LAYER INSULATION BLANKETS FOR SPACECRAFT
2024-07-18
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS |
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