Multiconfiguration reusable space transportation system

A multi-configuration transportation system for selectively transporting a range of different mass and volume payloads into space and for conducting operations in space, comprising:

• a plurality of different, generally cylindrical modules releasably securable together in a plurality of different possible launch configurations and space operation configurations;
• the modules including:
• a first stage unit containing primary propulsion means for providing thrust to said system for launching payloads up to a predetermined mass and volume to a predetermined altitude and velocity, the first stage unit including aerodynamic means for controlling the guided descent of said first stage unit to Earth after launch;
• at least one auxiliary propulsion unit selectively securable to the other modules in said system, the auxiliary propulsion unit containing secondary propulsion means for carrying payloads larger than said predetermined mass into orbit;
• and
• at least one unpowered cargo container selectively and releasably securable externally to said first stage unit, the container having internal cargo space for carrying cargo.

A multi-configuration reusable space transportation system, comprising a plurality of modules selectably securable together in a variety of different possible configurations, the modules including:

• a first stage unit including primary propulsion means for boosting payloads up to a predetermined mass to a predetermined altitude and velocity;
• and an unpowered cargo carrying unit demountably and externally attachable to the first stage unit;
• the first stage unit propulsion means comprising means for boosting the first stage unit as a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle into orbit or for providing boost power to thrust a payload carrying unit secured to the first stage unit into or close to orbit, the first stage unit selectably acting as an independent, single-stage-to-orbit vehicle or as one stage of a multiple stage to orbit configuration;
• the first stage unit including aerodynamic means for controlled return to Earth.

A multi-configuration space transportation system comprising a plurality of different modules selectively securable together in a variety of different possible launch and space operation configurations for selectively transporting a range of different mass and volume payloads into space and for conducting operations in space, the modules including:

• an unpowered, cargo carrying unit for containing a cargo to be transported into space;
• a generally cylindrical first stage unit demountably and externally attachable to said cargo carrying unit and containing primary propulsion means for assisting said cargo carrying unit to achieve orbit;
• and
• aerodynamic means attached to said first stage unit for controlling descent of said first stage unit to Earth, said aerodynamic means comprising:
• a monolithic swing wing and pivotal mounting means for pivotally securing said swing wing to said first stage unit for rotation between a first position flush with the body of the first stage unit and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first stage unit and a second position transverse to said longitudinal axis, the pivotal mounting means being located generally at the center of said swing wing.

A multi-configuration space transportation system comprising a plurality of modules selectively securable together in a variety of different possible launch configurations, the modules including:

• a payload carrying unit for containing a payload to be transported into space;
• a first stage unit demountably attachable to said payload carrying unit and containing primary propulsion means for assisting said payload carrying unit to achieve orbit;
• and
• aerodynamic means attached to said first stage unit for controlling descent of said first stage unit to Earth, said aerodynamic means comprising:
• a monolithic swing wing and pivotal mounting means for pivotally securing said swing wing to said first stage unit for rotation between a first position flush with the longitudinal axis of the first stage unit and a second position transverse to said longitudinal axis, the pivotal mounting means being located generally at the center of said swing wing, and further including rudder means fastened to opposite ends of said swing wing, said rudder means being movable between a first position flush with the first surface of said wing and a second position perpendicular with said wing for assisting in directional control of the descent of said first stage unit.

A multi-configuration transportation system for selectively transporting different mass and volume payloads into space and for conducting operations in space comprising:

• a plurality of different, generally cylindrical modules releasably securable together in a plurality of different possible launch and in-space operation configurations;
• the modules including:
• a first unit containing primary propulsion means for providing thrust to said system for launching payloads of a predetermined mass and volume to a predetermined altitude and velocity, the first stage unit including aerodynamic means for controlling the guided descent of said first stage unit to Earth after launch;
• at least one auxiliary unit selectively securable to the other modules in said system, the auxiliary unit containing secondary propulsion means for addition to said primary propulsion means to carry payloads larger than said predetermined mass into orbit;
• and
• at least one unpowered payload container selectively and releasably securable externally to said first stage unit, the payload container having an internal space for carrying payload;
• said first stage unit being selectively operable as an independent, single stage to orbit vehicle, the unit having internal cargo space for carrying a payload, and as a first stage booster with other selected modules of said system;
• said first stage unit having a plurality of releasable connecting means for selectively connecting and disconnecting any of said modules with said first stage unit on Earth, in flight and in space.