Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Reusable or returnable
Patent
1987-01-06
1989-10-10
Barefoot, Galen L.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Reusable or returnable
52 794, 52 81, 52DIG10, 244161, B64G 110
Patent
active
048726257
ABSTRACT:
A universal module assembly includes a pressure vessel having cylindrical side walls and curved end surfaces. A rigid external supporting framework is attached to the exterior of and surrounds the pressure vessel. The framework includes a main body portion disposed around the cylindrical side walls, and end portions covering the curved end surfaces of the pressure vessel. The main body portion of the framework is in the general configuration of a right hexagonal prism, and the end portions of the framework are generally frustoconical. The framework is provided with access ports on one or both of its end portions and/or on one or more sides of the main body portion to facilitate interconnecting two or more of the module assemblies end-to-end, end-to-side, or side-to-side. Vessels of interconnected module assemblies can be communicated with one another in a pressure-tight state. The module assemblies can be used singly, or connected together in moderate-sized groups or large clusters, to form a variety of habitable space structures. The module assemblies are compatible in size and shape with the payload bay of the Space Shuttle, so that up to seven module assemblies can be launched into orbit with each Shuttle trip.
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Barefoot Galen L.
Shull William E.
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