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US 2006/0219846 A1Published application
Multipurpose modular spacecraft
AssigneeSpacehab, Inc.
InventorsMichael Johnson, James Baker, Frank Eichstadt, Michael Bain
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A reentry vehicle includes a nose section, a modular section comprised of two or more connected modules, a flared section. The nose section is connected to a first end of the modular section, and the flared section is positioned proximate a second end of the modular cylindrical section.
Claims65
A reentry vehicle, comprising:
- a nose section;
- a modular section comprised of two or more connected modules;
- and
- a flared section,
- wherein the nose section is connected to a first end of the modular section, and the flared section is positioned proximate a second end of the modular cylindrical section.
2 more elements
A method of transferring a payload in orbit, comprising:
- docking a reentry vehicle with an object in orbit;
- depressurizing the reentry vehicle;
- opening an access port in the reentry vehicle;
- transferring the payload;
- closing the access port;
- and
- pressurizing the reentry vehicle.
4 more elements
A method of entering a planetary atmosphere, comprising:
- deploying a flared section of a reentry vehicle to a first position;
- dissipating kinetic energy in a rarefied portion of the atmosphere;
- and
- deploying the flared section in a second position,
- wherein the first position has a larger cross sectional area than the second position, and
- wherein the reentry vehicle approaches the planetary atmosphere above an overshoot boundary for the vehicle when the flared section is in the second position.
3 more elements
A reentry vehicle, comprising:
- a modular section comprised of two or more modules sealingly coupled to each other;
- a nose section connected to a first of the two or more modules at a first end of the modular cylindrical section;
- and
- a flared section proximate a second end of the modular cylindrical section and positioned to protect at least one of the one or more cylindrical modules,
- wherein an aft one of the one or more modules forms an aft cylindrical module and comprises a crew hatch and a propulsion and maneuvering system.
2 more elements
A reentry vehicle, comprising:
- means for dissipating reentry heat;
- means for stabilizing the reentry vehicle during hypersonic flight;
- and
- means for selecting a payload volume of the reentry vehicle.
1 more element
A modular vehicle, comprising:
- at least one module adapted to for a secondary structure for a primary vehicle;
- and
- an adapter for connecting the modular vehicle to the primary vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.