Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path
Patent
1986-04-11
1989-02-28
Barefoot, Galen
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path
244159, 244160, 244135R, 244172, 220426, B64G 114
Patent
active
048078336
ABSTRACT:
A combined space vehicle fuel cell and modular space station structural building component which provides containment of propellants during launch and thereafter provides one of a plurality of modules which can be interconnected once orbit is achieved for constructing a space station or space platform. The combined space vehicle fuel cell and modular space station structural building component is configured so that a first pressure vessel for containment of one propellant is preferably concentrically positioned within a second pressure vessel for another propellant, which can result in a shorter fuel cell. Intervessel structure is included for interconnecting the pressure vessels but is lightweight due to the concentric configuration of the pressure vessels and is preferably concentrated in the aft end of the fuel cell for providing a rigid structure for receiving thrust through any and all thrust attaches to a spacecraft. The fuel cell configuration results in a lower center of gravity, which enables more vertically oriented thrust to be applied to the space vehicle. Docking structure is incorporated into the combined space vehicle fuel cell and modular space station structural building component for connection with other similar fuel cells after orbit is achieved for constructing a space station or space platform. Preferably, equipment which is not susceptible to damage through contact with the one propellant is pre-installed on the earth to alleviate the need to install such equipment after orbit is achieved, which results in a reduction in the payload requirements for space station construction. The fuel cell can also include a storage compartment for payload.
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Nathan, "A Near Term Space Demonstration Program for Large Structures", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, vol. 36, part 1, 1978.
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