High altitude launch platform payload launching apparatus and method
US5295642A · kind A · utility
34Cited by
5References
37Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/402
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high altitude launch platform, used to launch a payload into earth orbit, is part of a payload launch system having a payload launching rocket carried by the high altitude launch platform. A first amount of fuel, substantially less than the capacity of the fuel tanks, is provided to the launch platform while the launch platform is on the ground. The launch platform is flown to a first altitude and the fuel tanks are provided with a second amount of fuel while the high altitude launch platform is at the first altitude. The addition of the second amount of fuel is sufficient to allow the payload to be launched into orbit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.