Catalyzed decomposing foam for encapsulating space-based kinetic objects
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsQuenten Duden, Allan Mense
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A high energy, e.g., ultraviolet (UV) catalyzed decomposing foam encapsulating kinetic media forms a payload to be boosted in space and provides an ultra-light weight means for intercepting an incoming missile or other target. The decomposed foam releases the kinetic media (at designed rates so as to preserve a required density of media on target) to intercept a target and destroy it. The use of the decomposing foam significantly lowers the weight and cost and improves the probability of success of destroying the target.
Claims39
Kinetic media payload for launching into space by a vehicle to intercept a target, said kinetic media payload comprising kinetic media at least partially surrounded by a foam decomposable by high energy electromagnetic radiation.
A vehicle for launching a payload comprising kinetic media into space to intercept a target, said payload contained in a decomposable foam that at least partially surrounds said payload, wherein said decomposable foam is decomposable by exposure to high energy electromagnetic radiation.
A method for delivering a payload comprising kinetic media during launch into space to intercept a target, said method comprising:
- protecting said payload by at least partially surrounding said kinetic media with decomposable foam that is decomposable by high energy electromagnetic radiation;
- launching said payload while maintaining its structural integrity and alignment;
- and
- decomposing said foam once said payload is in space by exposure to said high energy electromagnetic radiation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.