Reusable flyback satellite

US5402965A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Rockwell International Corporation · US

Inventors

• Richard T. Cervisi · Irvine, US
• David M. Toliver · Hawthorne, US
• Harry S. Greenberg · Rancho Santa Margarita, US
• Timothy R. Kilgore · Garden Grove, US
• Jack H. Arnold · San Fernando, US
• John Blake · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 20, 1993
• Grant date: Apr 4, 1995
• Expiry date: Sep 20, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/623
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A reusable flyback satellite system comprises a refly apparatus and accelerating and positioning apparatus. The refly apparatus provides acceleration and injection into orbit, on-orbit functions services for supporting a payload, de-orbiting, re-entering and landing on a runway. The accelerating and positioning apparatus is attached to a carrier aircraft, the accelerating and positioning apparatus releaseably supporting the refly apparatus. The carrier aircraft positions the accelerating and positioning apparatus at a desired first position wherein the accelerating and positioning apparatus is detached from the carrier aircraft. Thereafter, the accelerating and positioning apparatus positions the refly apparatus to a second position wherein the refly apparatus is detachable from the accelerating and positioning apparatus. The second position is such that the refly apparatus can achieve a desired orbit.