PAYLOAD MANAGEMENT OMVs (Orbital Maneuvering Vehicles)
Preliminary Description
The Orbital Maneuvering Vehicles (OMVs) have been designed to operate as a Remotely Controlled Space Teleoperator.
These Vehicles will be deployed as a payload from the Alpha RLVs.
OMV Control
Control of the OMV will be from a Ground Station, or a Control Room located on Alpha RLVs or from the Space Station.
The Operator controlling the OMV is physically remote from the Module and exercises control over the Vehicle.
OMV Main Mission
The main mission of the OMV will be to incresase the level of Space productivity without increasing human risk.
The OMV will not only reduce risk in orbital activities, but also increase the capacity to perform strenuous Orbital Operations.
OMV and EVA
OMVs will drastically reduce the level of EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity) for a given mission.
Unlike EVA, the OMV will not be affected by prolonged operational durations, it also will be able to operate at ranges beyond EVA capabilities.
ALPHA DESIGN
Mr. Foti and his team have developed (1997-2001) a unique
OMV-Design that gives the
OMV the capability to:
Deploy Satellites in Orbits that are out of the space launchers range;
Provide Maneuvering, Docking and De-Orbit;
Assemble Space Frames;
Rendez-Vous and Dock with existing Orbital Payloads;
Resupply Payloads with Fuel and other Consumables;
Perform Repair and Service Operations on Orbital Payloads when fitted with a TeleRobotic System;
Transfer Payloads to or from Orbit to orbiting
RLVs or
SpaceStation;
Cleared for operation in proximity to
SpaceStation;
Remotely operated from
Alpha RLVs,
SpaceStation or
Ground Control;
The
OMV launched in
2 Separate Modules and mated On-Orbit;
Held in
Parking Orbit near
Space Station;
UnManned, or even
Manned "Space Tug";
Refueled
On-Orbit;
BiPropellant, variable Thrust Orbit Adjust Engines;
MonoPropellant and Cold Gas
RCS (Reaction Control Systems);
Cold Gas
RCS (Reaction Control Systems) for minimum contamination during Docking;
Design in order to handle significant masses on the order of 45,000 pounds;
2 Separable Module: Short Range Vehicle & Propulsion/Fuel Module;
With the above capabilities, the
OMV will have a definite impact on the way
Orbital Operations are carried out.
The
Robotic Systems will be placed over the
OMV in order to achieve the whole assembling in Space, Payloads Services and Repairing as well.