High altitude launch platform payload launching apparatus and method
US5564648A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2015 |
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 with an engine 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 fuel tanks of the engines for 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.