Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft propulsion – Launching
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-25
2001-11-06
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft propulsion
Launching
C104S123000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311926
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to space technology, and, more specifically, to launching spacecraft into earth orbit.
Since the dawn of the space age spacecraft have been launched into outer space in orbit around the earth using rocket propulsion. The majority of weight of the spacecraft is found in the main rocket motor(s) and the required fuel and oxidizer therefor, leaving little weight for the remaining spacecraft itself which reaches earth's orbit. Spacecraft may either be manned or unmanned, and in either case may be used for placing payloads, such as satellites, for example, in earth's orbit.
The cost to launch payloads into outer space around the earth is about $10,000 per kilogram in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The cost for Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) and planetary exploration is much greater. Paradoxically, the energy cost to reach space is very small for objects directly accelerated to orbital velocities. The energy to place a kilogram in LEO then costs only 50 cents at 5 cents per kilowatt hour, a factor of about 10,000 smaller than the present cost with rockets.
This high cost results from the inherent limitations of rockets, with their payload fraction being only about 1%, and they are complex and very expensive for both expendable and reusable versions, such as the shuttle. The development of improved reusable single stage to orbit (SSTO) spacecraft, or high Mach air breathing space planes (NASP), could cut launch costs somewhat, but they still will be high, about $1000/kg or more.
Accordingly, it is desired to provide an improved method and apparatus for launching spacecraft into outer space, including earth's orbit, eliminating or reducing the need for rocket propulsion.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A spacecraft may be launched into outer space around the earth by magnetically suspending a sky tube having an inlet on earth and an outlet at altitude. The sky tube is evacuated, and the spacecraft is propelled therethrough to achieve escape velocity for reaching outer space.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 3589300 (1971-06-01), Wip
patent: 4775120 (1988-10-01), Marwick
patent: 4881446 (1989-11-01), Marks et al.
patent: 4909458 (1990-03-01), Martin
patent: 5024137 (1991-06-01), Schroeder
Mankins, “The MagLifer: An Advanced Concept Using Electromagnetic Propulsion in Reducing the Cost of Space Launch,” AIAA 94-2726, 38th Joint Propulsion Conf. and Exhibit, Indianapolis, IN, Jun. 24-29, 1994, pp; 1-17.
Moss, “Use of Superconductor Cable to Levitate an Earth Tethered Platform,” J. Aero. Sci., vol. 37, No. 4, 10-12 1989, pp: 465-476.
Maise George
Powell James R.
Conte Francis L.
Dinh Tien
Jordan Charles T.
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