초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a reusable space access launch vehicle system which comprises a reusable vehicle, at least one expendable boost propulsion device attached to the reusable vehicle, and an oxidizer system onboard the vehicle. The oxidizer system supplies an oxidizer, preferably in a g

The present invention relates to a reusable space access launch vehicle system which comprises a reusable vehicle, at least one expendable boost propulsion device attached to the reusable vehicle, and an oxidizer system onboard the vehicle. The oxidizer system supplies an oxidizer, preferably in a gaseous state, to the at least on expendable boost propulsion device. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one boost propulsion device comprises a hybrid rocket combustor.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A reusable launch vehicle system comprising: a reusable vehicle;at least one expendable boost propulsion device attached to said reusable vehicle; andan oxidizer system onboard said vehicle, said oxidizer system supplying an oxidizer to said at least one expendable boost propulsion device.2. A re

1. A reusable launch vehicle system comprising: a reusable vehicle;at least one expendable boost propulsion device attached to said reusable vehicle; andan oxidizer system onboard said vehicle, said oxidizer system supplying an oxidizer to said at least one expendable boost propulsion device.2. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein said oxidizer system comprises means for supplying said oxidizer to said at least one expendable boost propulsion device in a gaseous state.3. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 2, wherein said oxidizer supplying means comprises an oxidizer preburner and a feed line for supplying said gaseous oxidizer to said at least one expendable boost propulsion device.4. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one expendable boost propulsion device comprises a hybrid rocket combustor.5. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein said reusable vehicle has at least one main engine and said oxidizer system supplies said oxidizer to said at least one main engine.6. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 1, further comprising:said at least one expendable boost propulsion device being at least one hybrid rocket combustor; andmeans for throttling and for shutting down said at least one hybrid rocket combustor.7. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of hybrid rocket combustors mounted to said reusable launch vehicle.8. A reusable launch vehicle system comprising: a reusable launch vehicle having at least one engine for providing propulsion during a boost phase;two hybrid rocket combustors strapped onto opposite sides of said reusable launch vehicle;a liquid oxidizer tank located internally of said reusable launch vehicle; anda feed system for supplying liquid oxidizer from said liquid oxidizer tank to each of said hybrid rocket combustors.9. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 8, wherein said feed system comprises an oxidizer pre-burner for each hybrid rocket combustor and feed line extending between each said pre-burner and one of said hybrid rocket combustors.10. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 9, wherein each of said feed lines contains a pump for providing independent throttling and shutdown capability.11. A reusable launch vehicle system according to claim 8, further comprising a liquid fuel tank located internally to the reusable launch vehicle and each said engine receiving fuel from said fuel tank and oxidizer from said oxidizer tank.12. A reusable launch vehicle according to claim 11, wherein said fuel tank contains liquid hydrogen and said oxidizer tank contains liquid oxygen.