Configurable space launch system
Patent 6360994 Issued on March 26, 2002. Estimated Expiration Date: 
February 23, 2021. 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.
February 23, 2021. 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 3261571 3295789 3369771 3698659 3700193 3702688 3866863 3929306 Mixed mode propulsion aerospace vehicles Space shuttle with rail system and aft thrust structure securing solid rocket boosters to external tank InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 792740 filed on 02/23/2001US Classes:244/2COMPOSITE AIRCRAFTExaminersPrimary: Barefoot, Galen L.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassB64G 001/14AbstractA configurable space launch system of multiple different vehicle configurations that use a common reusable spaceplane and cost effective external tanks is presented. Each vehicle configuration in the system incorporates one or more reusable spaceplanes and most or all ascent propellant in multiple releasable external tanks. The flight trajectory of each vehicle has multiple in-flight staging points to increase vehicle performance efficiency. The system is governed and configured by a unique set of eight prescripts that together minimize launch costs. | |
