Apparatus and method of transferring and utilizing residual fuel of a launch vehicle upper stage
US8393582B1 · kind B1 · utility
28Cited by
7References
11Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/641
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A launch system is provided which includes a secondary payload. The secondary payload includes a propellant tank and at least one module that is supported by an adapter ring that is commonly used to secure an upper stage to a primary payload. The propellant tank is launched empty and subsequently filled with residual propellant from the upper stage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.