Colorado Patent of the Month – November 2024
Atomos Space has unveiled a groundbreaking method for transferring spacecraft between orbits, marking a significant advancement in orbital maneuvering. This innovative approach combines precise thruster activation and the strategic use of Earth’s atmosphere to achieve efficient orbital transitions while minimizing fuel consumption. By integrating aerobraking—a process that harnesses atmospheric drag to reduce orbital energy—this invention offers a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional propulsion-intensive maneuvers.
The process begins with a spacecraft in an initial orbit. Through carefully timed thruster activations, the spacecraft transitions into a more eccentric transfer orbit. As the spacecraft traverses this path, Earth’s oblateness causes the right ascension of the ascending node (RAAN) to adjust naturally. Once the RAAN aligns with the target value, thrusters are activated to shift the spacecraft into an aerobraking orbit. Here, atmospheric drag is utilized to gradually reduce orbital energy, bringing the spacecraft closer to its desired final orbit.
This method is particularly notable for its versatility, allowing for adjustments in altitude and RAAN while maintaining operational efficiency. Its ability to combine high-thrust bursts with the gradual effects of aerobraking ensures precise control over the spacecraft’s trajectory. Moreover, this innovation is adaptable to various orbital transfer scenarios, including deploying satellites or adjusting their positions within existing constellations.
By optimizing fuel usage and leveraging natural forces, Atomos Space’s invention reduces the costs and environmental impact of orbital maneuvers. This technology not only enhances the sustainability of space operations but also paves the way for more ambitious missions by enabling efficient satellite deployment and repositioning. With this development, Atomos Space is redefining the future of space logistics, ensuring greater accessibility and sustainability in the rapidly expanding domain of orbital activities.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
Are you eligible?
Why choose us?
Pass an Audit?
What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
Never miss a deadline again
Stay up to date on IRS processes
Discover R&D in your industry
R&D Tax Credit Preparation Services
Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call or email our CEO, Damian Smyth on (800) 986-4725.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of our national R&D tax credit specialists at a time that is convenient for you.
R&D Tax Credit Audit Advisory Services
creditARMOR is a sophisticated R&D tax credit insurance and AI-driven risk management platform. It mitigates audit exposure by covering defense expenses, including CPA, tax attorney, and specialist consultant fees—delivering robust, compliant support for R&D credit claims. Click here for more information about R&D tax credit management and implementation.
Our Fees
Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/
Choose your state
