Low cost launch vehicle fairing
US10214303B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/26
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A launch vehicle includes an upper stage and an integral fairing. In a launch configuration, the integral fairing is configured to enclose, between an aft portion and a forward portion, one or more payloads. The integral fairing includes a mechanical attachment with the upper stage proximal to the aft portion, and a nose cap proximal to the forward portion and a passive venting arrangement that equalizes pressures internal and external to the integral fairing. The integral fairing is configured to permit deployment of at least one payload, while avoiding: (i) separation of the integral fairing into two or more parts, (ii) separation of the integral fairing from the upper stage, and (iii) articulation of the mechanical attachment. The upper stage may provide single stage to orbit capability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.