System and method for return and landing of launch vehicle booster stage
OwnerNorman L. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A recoverable/reusable booster stage has air-breathing jet engines mounted on the inter-tank ring in alignment with the center axis of the booster body. The jet engines provide supplemental lift on ascent, power the booster on a return flight, and hover the spent booster for a vertical, tail-down landing at the launch site.
Claims5
1] A reusable launch vehicle comprising:
- a first stage comprising a first engine and a second engine, the first stage comprising fuel and control systems for the first and second engines;
- and
- a second stage comprising a third engine, the second stage releasably coupled to the first stage and adapted to carry a payload, the second stage adapted to release from the first stage at a selected time, the second engine adapted to propel the first stage to a selected landing site so that the first stage lands in a substantially vertical condition.
2] The launch vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first engine and the third engine comprise rocket engines.
3] The launch vehicle of claim 1, wherein the second engine comprises an air breathing engine.
4] A method of launching and recovering a launch vehicle, the method comprising:
- launching the vehicle from a launch site, the vehicle comprising a first stage and a second stage;
- guiding the vehicle along a selected trajectory;
- separating the second stage from the first stage at a selected time;
- activating engines operatively coupled to the first stage;
- guiding the first stage to a selected landing site;
- and
- landing the first stage in a substantially vertical condition.
5] The method of claim 4, wherein the landing site is located proximate the launch site.