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AssigneeRadian Aerospace, Inc.
InventorsLivingston L. Holder, Gary C. Hudson, Bevin C. McKinney, Marshall L. Crenshaw, Daniel Paul Raymer
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Various embodiments of space launch vehicle systems and associated methods of manufacture and use are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the systems include a reusable, horizontal takeoff/horizontal landing (HTHL), ground-assisted single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) spaceplane that is capable of providing frequent deliveries of people and/or cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In some embodiments, the spaceplane can takeoff with the aid of a rocket-powered sled that, in addition to providing additional thrust for takeoff, can also provide propellant for the spaceplane engines during the takeoff run so that the spaceplane launches with full propellant tanks.
A method for loading liquid oxygen into a horizontal takeoff/horizontal landing space vehicle, wherein the space vehicle is mounted to a launch sled having a first oxidizer tank, wherein the space vehicle has a second oxidizer tank, and wherein the method comprises:
A method for loading liquid oxygen into a horizontal takeoff/horizontal landing space vehicle, the method comprising:
A method for loading cryogenic propellant into a space vehicle, the method comprising:
A reusable space vehicle, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.