Modular earth-return space vehicle

Details Modular earth-return space vehicle Modular earth-return space vehicle

Filed on

1990-09-11

Date issued

1992-10-27

Examiner

Peters, Jr., Joseph F.

Patent Class

Aeronautics and astronautics

SubClass

Spacecraft

SubSubClass

Attitude control

Other Related Categories

244161, B64G 162

Type

Patent

Status

active

Patent number

051582481

Description

ABSTRACT:
A re-entry vehicle that includes three detachable modular components which anticipate total re-useability. Modularization of the composite re-entry vehicle offers great flexibility in re-arranging the various modules to suit a particular mission. The three module components include a crew module, principally serving as a crew cabin, and attached thereto is a modular heat shield or re-entry module which principally provides for thermal protection of the cabin module during re-entry. Propulsion for the cabin module to achieve a particular re-entry orbit is provided by a versatile service stage which becomes detached from the other two modules upon attainment of a desired re-entry trajectory. When used in conjunction with a Space Station, the versatile service stage may be propelled back to the Space Station for refueling and re-use.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3508723 (1970-04-01), Warren et al.
patent: 3547376 (1970-12-01), Van Alstyne et al.
patent: 3576298 (1971-04-01), Barnett et al.
patent: 3606212 (1971-09-01), Bradley et al.
patent: 4240601 (1980-12-01), Reed
patent: 4395004 (1983-07-01), Ganssle et al.
patent: 4557444 (1985-12-01), Jackson et al.
patent: 4880187 (1989-11-01), Rourke et al.

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