초록 ▼

A space transporation system comprises several different modular units usable in a plurality of different configurations for different payloads and space missions. The units include a first stage unit for providing primary propulsive force during launch, a payload carrying unit, which may be an orbi

A space transporation system comprises several different modular units usable in a plurality of different configurations for different payloads and space missions. The units include a first stage unit for providing primary propulsive force during launch, a payload carrying unit, which may be an orbital vehicle or simple payload canister, and an auxiliary propulsion unit for providing additional power either during launch or space flight. The units are all demountably securable together, and preferably all include aerodymanic devices such as fixed or swing wings for a controlled return to Earth. The first stage unit can act either as a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle carrying internal or external payload, or as the first stage of a multiple stage launch configuration including a payload unit and auxiliary propulsion units.

대표청구항 ▼

A multi-configuration transportation system for selectively transporting different mass payloads into space, comprising: a plurality of different modules releaseably securable together into a plurality of different possible launch configurations, the modules including: a first stage unit containing

A multi-configuration transportation system for selectively transporting different mass payloads into space, comprising: a plurality of different modules releaseably securable together into a plurality of different possible launch configurations, the modules including: a first stage unit containing primary propulsion means for providing thrust to said system for launching payloads up to a predetermined mass to a predetermined altitude and velocity, the first stage unit including aerodynamic means for controlling the guided descent of said first stage unit to Earth after launch; at least one auxiliary unit selectively securable to the other modules in said system, the auxiliary unit containing secondary propulsion means for carrying payloads larger than said predetermined mass into orbit; the modules including payload carrying means for carrying payloads larger than said predetermined mass into orbit; the aerodynamic means comprising a wing having a pivotal mounting for pivotally securing said wing to said first stage unit for rotating between a first position in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said first stage unit and a second position perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said wing having retractable wing flaps adjacent each end, the wing flaps being moveable between a retracted position flush with said wing and an extended position extending perpendicular to said wing for assisting in directional control of the descent of said first stage unit.