Modular solid-propellant launch vehicle and related launch facility
Patent 5217188 Issued on June 8, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date: 
April 8, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
April 8, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3202381 3267809 3284888 3286629 3369771 3702688 Launching tower for heavy rockets Three stage rocket vehicle with parallel staging Arresting and recovery system for test missiles Device for separation and launch of a body with linear and rotational velocity InventorsApplicationNo. 681825 filed on 04/08/1991US Classes:244/63LaunchingExaminersPrimary: Peters, Joseph F. Jr.Assistant: Bidwell, Anne E. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassB64G 001/40AbstractA family of modular solid-propellant launch vehicles and a related launch facility for placing a wide range of payloads in earth orbit at greatly reduced costs compared to present day launch systems. The basic family of modular solid-propellant launch vehicles is constructed from only two sizes of modular solid-propellant rocket motors, a large rocket motor and a small rocket motor. The modular rocket motors are clustered and stacked in various configurations to form the family of launch vehicles. The physical and performance characteristics of the two solid-propellant rocket motors, including weight, vacuum specific impulse and action time, were tailored to maximize the payload capabilities of each member of the launch vehicle family without exceeding predetermined maximum and staging dynamic pressure limits and maximum acceleration limits. The universal launch facility utilizes a steel canister that is sized to hold the maximum diameter and length launch vehicle. The steel canister is secured in a concrete-lined launch pit and the vehicle is expelled from the canister by a piston. The piston is caught by an arrestor device upon reaching the end of the canister. An assembly platform at the top of the piston provides a platform for assembling the launch vehicle.Other References
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