Patent · US Expired

Payload module

US6059234A · kind A · utility

13Cited by
22References
40Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 25, 1998
Grant dateMay 9, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 25, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64G1/62
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A payload module couples to a forward end of a re-entry vehicle. The payload module includes a cap and a fairing to contain a payload during ascent of the vehicle and to withstand aerodynamic heating from the atmosphere upon re-entry of the vehicle. In a particular embodiment, the fairing has an extended position to contain the payload and a retracted position for re-entry into the atmosphere after payload deployment.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.