Launch vehicles with fixed and deployable deceleration surfaces, and/or shaped fuel tanks, and associated systems and methods
US8408497B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/401
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Launch vehicles with fixed and deployable deceleration surfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a launch vehicle that has a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end, and is elongated along a vehicle axis extending between the first and second ends. The vehicle carries an exposed outwardly facing surface having a first region positioned or positionable to have a first cross-sectional area generally normal to the vehicle axis toward the first end of the vehicle, and a second region positioned or positionable to have a second cross-sectional area generally normal to the vehicle axis toward the second end of the vehicle. The first cross-sectional area is less than the second cross-sectional area. The system can further include a propulsion system carried by the launch vehicle and having at least one nozzle positioned toward the first end of the vehicle to launch the launch vehicle. In a further particular embodiment, the exposed surface can include a deployable flare surface that is positioned toward the forward section of the vehicle and is stowed during an ascent phase of the vehicle. Du…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.