Multi-stage, liquid hydrogen-based aerospace system

A modular aerospace system having an atmospheric configuration and a space configuration comprising:

• a lifting and accelerating vehicle, an atmospheric flight vehicle, and a space flight vehicle, wherein:
• the atmospheric configuration is capable of flight in the atmosphere and comprises the lifting and accelerating vehicle configured to affix to the atmospheric flight vehicle, and the atmospheric flight vehicle has the ability to travel 12,000 miles;
• and
• the space configuration comprises the lifting and accelerating vehicle configured to affix to the space flight vehicle, and the space flight vehicle is capable of reaching Earth orbit.

A method of travel comprising:

• effectuating atmospheric flight through the steps of:
• taking off from a runway in a combined vehicle comprising two independently controllable vehicles, comprising a first-stage vehicle and a second-stage atmospheric vehicle carrying an internal payload and affixed to the first-stage vehicle;
• accelerating the first-stage vehicle to a speed greater than Mach 1.0;
• separating the second-stage atmospheric vehicle from the first-stage vehicle;
• accelerating the second-stage atmospheric vehicle to a speed greater than Mach 4.0;
• reaching in the second-stage atmospheric vehicle an altitude greater than 80,000 feet above mean sea level;
• and
• piloting the first-stage vehicle to the ground with autonomous control or remote control.