Modular launch pad system

A modular launch pad for a launch vehicle, comprising:

• a launch pad frame;
• a plurality of slab means separably connected to the launch pad frame by means of slab connectors;
• a launch vehicle mounting means having an exhaust gas opening for supporting a launch vehicle, the launch pad frame defining exhaust gas channeling means in flow communication with the exhaust gas opening with the mounting means for channeling launch exhaust gases of the launch vehicle away from the vehicle;
• each said slab comprises opposed major surfaces, and connecting means embedded in the slab complimentarily engageable with the slab connectors;
• each connecting means comprises an internally threaded sleeve extending into the slab from one of the major surfaces of the slab, and
• exposed openings of the sleeves are sealed with a protective plug.

A modular launch pad for a launch vehicle, comprising:

• a launch pad frame;
• a plurality of slab means separably connected to the launch pad frame by means of slab connectors;
• a launch vehicle mounting means having an exhaust gas opening for supporting a launch vehicle, the launch pad frame defining exhaust gas channeling means in flow communication with the exhaust gas opening with the mounting means for channeling launch exhaust gases of the launch vehicle away from the vehicle;
• a blast defecting means for deflecting launch vehicle exhaust gases into the channeling means, wherein, said blast defecting means comprising at least one angled deflector plate having a ramp-like concave surface;
• and
• cooling liquid supply means and nozzles for spraying cooling liquid onto the concave surface of the at least one deflective plate.

A modular launch pad for a launch vehicle, comprising:

• a launch pad frame;
• a plurality of slab means separably connected to the launch pad frame by means of slab connectors;
• a launch vehicle mounting means having an exhaust gas opening for supporting a launch vehicle, the launch pad frame defining exhaust gas channeling means in flow communication with the exhaust gas opening with the mounting means for channeling launch exhaust gases of the launch vehicle away from the vehicle wherein the launch vehicle mounting means includes a plurality of vertically extended pillars and an adapting means mounted on the pillars for supporting a launch vehicle, and adapting means comprising an adapter ring removably engageable with upper ends of the pillars;
• and explosive bolts for securing the launch vehicle to the adapter ring.

A modular launch pad a launch vehicle comprising:

• a launch pad frame;
• a plurality of slab means separably connected to the launch pad frame by means of slab connectors;
• a launch vehicle mounting means having an exhaust gas opening for supporting a launch vehicle, the launch pad frame defining exhaust gas channeling means in flow communication with the exhaust gas opening with the mounting means for channeling launch exhaust gases of the launch vehicle away from the vehicle wherein the launch vehicle mounting means includes a plurality of vertically extended pillars and an adapting means mounted on the pillars for supporting a launch vehicle, said adapting means comprising a plurality of pedestals having horizontal upper faces, the pedestals being moveably mounted relative to one another;
• and a plurality of balls on threaded shafts, the shaft being secured to the pedestals for supporting the launch vehicle, wherein the shafts engage complimentary bores in the pedestals to facilitate adjustment of the balls and shafts.

A modular launch pad for a launch vehicle, comprising:

• a launch pad frame;
• a plurality of slab means separably connected to the launch pad frame by means of slab connectors;
• a launch vehicle mounting means having an exhaust gas opening for supporting a launch vehicle, the launch pad frame defining exhaust gas channeling means in flow communication with the exhaust gas opening with the mounting means for channeling launch exhaust gases of the launch vehicle away from the vehicle wherein the launch vehicle mounting means includes a plurality of vertically extended pillars and an adapting means mounted on the pillars for supporting a launch vehicle, said adapting means comprising a plurality of pedestals having horizontal upper faces, the pedestals being moveably mounted relative to one another;
• and explosive bolts for securing the launch vehicle to the pedestals.