Overlapping stage burn for multistage launch vehicles
AssigneeSpace Services, Incorporated
InventorsMark H. Daniels, Jack Funk, Wyendell B. Evans, Christopher C. Varner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a multistage launch vehicle and method of multistage launch vehicle operation in which at least one subsequent motor stage is ignited following lift-off in partially overlapping relationship with its immediately preceding motor stage prior to shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage in order to effect positive thrust control over the launch vehicle throughout shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage. Preferably, each of the motors comprising the subsequently fired motor stage is provided with a thrust profile in which maximum thrust is attained prior to staging of the preceding stage.
Claims60
A launch vehicle comprising first and second sequentially ignitible rocket motor stages, wherein each of said rocket motors stages is comprised of at least one solid rocket motor and means is provided for igniting the second stage rocket motor subsequent to vehicle lift-off while the launch vehicle is within the earth's atmosphere in partially overlapping relationship with the first stage rocket motor prior to termination of first stage motor operation.
A launch vehicle comprising three parallel rocket motor stages and means for sequentially igniting in partially overlapping relationship the second rocket motor stage with the first rocket motor stage while the launch vehicle is within the earth's atmosphere and the third rocket motor stage with the second rocket motor stage, said first rocket motor stage comprising at least two pair of diametrically opposed pairs of rocket motors positioned around the third stage rocket motor.
A launch vehicle, comprising:
- first and second sequentially ignitible, parallel-configured rocket motor stages, each of said rocket motor stages being comprised of at least one solid fuel rocket motor;
- and means for igniting said second rocket motor stage in partially overlapping relationship with operation of said first rocket motor stage following vehicle lift-off and prior to termination of first stage motor operation.
A method of operating a launch vehicle having at least first and second rocket motor stages, each stage comprising at least one solid fuel rocket motor, the method comprising the steps of:
- igniting the rocket motors comprising the first stage and operating the rocket motors continuously until burn-out;
- prior to first stage motor burn-out, igniting the motors comprising the second stage in overlapping relationship with the first stage motors so as to maintain positive thrust control over the launch vehicle as the first stage rocket motors burn-out;
- and
- exerting directional control over the launch vehicle during burn-out of the first stage rocket motors.
A method for deploying a satellite into orbit around the earth, the satellite being deployable from a launch vehicle having first and second sequentially ignitible, parallel mounted rocket motor stages, each of the rocket stages being comprised of at least one solid fuel rocket motor, the method comprising the steps of:
- igniting the first rocket motor stage and operating the first stage rocket motors continuously until motor burn-out;
- subsequent to lift-off and prior to first stage motor burn-out, igniting the second stage rocket motors in partially overlapping relationship with the first rocket motor stage so as to maintain positive thrust control over the launch vehicle as the first stage rocket motors burn-out;
- deploying the satellite into a desired orbital path around the earth;
- and
- exerting directional control over the launch vehicle until satellite deployment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.