Hybrid solar rocket utilizing thermal storage for propulsion and electrical power
US5459996A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/40
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar rocket for propelling and powering the electronics of a spacecraft includes a black body cavity of thermal storage material. Propulsion tubes and a connected nozzle axially extend through the black body cavity for burning propellant in order to provide thrust for the rocket. An insulation sleeve is removably located at the outer periphery of the cavity of thermal storage material. Energy conversion diodes surround the insulation sleeve. The thermal storage material, the insulation sleeve and the energy conversion diodes form a receiver. The receiver has a pair of spaced apart holes therethrough which lead into an interior space of the black body cavity in order to receive sunlight. A mirror assembly is located near each hole of the receiver for harnessing sunlight and providing radiant energy through the holes into the internal space of the black body cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.