초록 ▼

An encapsulating service module for constructing a short, compact emergency descent vehicle which can be easily loaded into a space shuttle cargo bay with minimum volume. The encapsulating service module includes an annular-shaped support structure for attachment around a spacecraft module and vario

An encapsulating service module for constructing a short, compact emergency descent vehicle which can be easily loaded into a space shuttle cargo bay with minimum volume. The encapsulating service module includes an annular-shaped support structure for attachment around a spacecraft module and various service module components mounted to the support structure. These service module components include propellant tanks, main and reaction control system (RCS) thrusters, environmental control and life support system tanks, and avionics and battery units. A micrometeoroid shield is included either as a separate structure or is integral with the encapsulating service module to protect the service and spacecraft modules from the space environment. The spacecraft module can be an Apollo-type command module, a Soyuz-type vehicle, or any other type of manned or unmanned spacecraft.

대표청구항 ▼

An encapsulating service module for constructing a short, compact descent vehicle having a heat shield used to protect the vehicle from overheating during descent through a planetary atmosphere, the encapsulating service module comprising: an annular-shaped support structure for attachment around a

An encapsulating service module for constructing a short, compact descent vehicle having a heat shield used to protect the vehicle from overheating during descent through a planetary atmosphere, the encapsulating service module comprising: an annular-shaped support structure for attachment around a spacecraft module that is used primarily to carry a payload during a descent from orbit; and one or more service module components mounted to the support structure, to provide services to the spacecraft module prior to a reentry maneuver; wherein the support structure is constructed to surround a spacecraft module selected from a variety of such modules, and wherein the support structure and the one or more service components are separated from the descent vehicle prior to descent from orbit, and wherein the service module components include one or more environmental control and life support system tanks and one or more avionics and battery units.