Orbital mechanics of impulsive launch
US10427804B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/646
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods of launching a vehicle using impulsive force are disclosed. In one instance, a vehicle is launched easterly with impulsive force in a plane corresponding to the vehicle's elliptical orbital path. In another instance, a method of closing a timing difference is disclosed. The vehicle undergoes a series of forces after impulsive launch. The first force establishes an orbit having a period significantly different from the orbital period of a satellite or desired vehicle location, closing the difference in an integer number of orbits. The second force establishes the vehicle in circular orbit with the satellite or desired vehicle location. In another instance, the vehicle launched impulsively from a first celestial body travels a first path, and the vehicle experiences a second force along a hyperbolic path about the second celestial body and enters circular orbit about the second celestial body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.