Multiple stage tractor propulsion vehicle
US9114892B1 · kind B1 · utility
1Cited by
20References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/42
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle that uses tractor propulsion to launch the vehicle into space. Only the upper stage of the vehicle includes an engine and avionics allowing the lower stages to be only liquid propellant tanks that may be dumped when empty. The liquid propellant may be either monopropellant or bi-propellant. The upper stage may include multiple nozzles that burn the propellant. Alternatively, the upper stage may include an aerospike engine instead of nozzles. The multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle may be air launched from an airborne aircraft or may be launched from the ground.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.