Reusable flyback rocket booster and method for recovering same
US6616092B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the invention, a rocket booster for launching a payload into space includes a fuselage adapted to support one or more fuel tanks inside the fuselage and a booster engine coupled to an aft portion of the fuselage. The booster engine is operable to provide thrust during an ascent phase of operation of the rocket booster. The rocket booster further includes a nacelle coupled to a forward portion of the fuselage and a flyback engine disposed within and coupled to the nacelle. The flyback engine is operable to provide thrust during a flyback phase of operation of the rocket booster. The rocket booster also includes one or more control surfaces coupled to the fuselage that are operable to control a flight pattern of the rocket booster during the flyback phase of operation. The flyback engine of the rocket booster is located forward of an aerodynamic center of the rocket booster.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.