Rocket stage having engine thrust frame integrated with tank

US9347400B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ASTRIUM GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Markus Jaeger · Ehrenkirchen, DE
• Menko Wisse · Bremen, DE
• Jesus Gomez Garcia · Bremen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 26, 2012
• Grant date: May 24, 2016
• Expiry date: Apr 25, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F02K9/60
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A rocket stage for a spacecraft includes an engine, a tank for storing a fuel and an oxidizer for combustion in the engine, a rocket stage primary structure, and an engine thrust frame that connects and transmits forces between the engine and the primary structure. The engine thrust frame includes at least an internal part thereof arranged internally within the tank. This internal part of the engine thrust frame forms an imperforate partition that divides an interior space of the tank into at least two chambers for storing the fuel and the oxidizer separately from one another. Propellant management devices including liquid guide vanes and refillable liquid reservoirs may be provided in connection with the partition in the tank interior space.