Recovery of a final stage of a spacecraft launch vehicle
US11565833B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/641
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
After deploying its payload, the final stage of a launch vehicle is maneuvered to couple the nosecone of the launch vehicle to the ‘rear’, or ‘engine-end’ of the final stage. The nosecone covers the engine of the final stage, to protect the engine and related components from the heat of re-entry and the impact of landing. Placing the nosecone over the engine and orienting the combination such that the nosecone ‘leads’ the final stage during re-entry, places the center of gravity of the combination ahead of the center of pressure in the direction of travel. Accordingly, the combination is inherently stable as it re-enters the atmosphere and falls to earth. Parachutes and directional devices are used to provide a controlled soft landing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.