Spacecraft launch system and method
AssigneeKistler Aerospace Corporation
InventorsGeorge E. Mueller, Aaron Cohen, Dale D. Myers, Henry O. Pohl
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spacecraft launch system includes a support assembly and a seat coupled to a hinge having a hinge axis. In operation, the support assembly and the seat rotate about the hinge axis to move the spacecraft from a horizontal position to a vertical position for launching. The launch system may incorporate an alignment technique that includes alignment members and actuators.
Claims34
A spacecraft launch system, comprising:
- a support assembly to support a spacecraft in a horizontal position;
- a seat to support the spacecraft during a transition from the horizontal position to a vertical position;
- and
- a hinge coupled to the support assembly and the seat, wherein the support assembly and the seat rotate about a hinge axis during the transition and wherein the seaport assembly but not the seat rotates about the hinge axis after the transition.
A method for moving a spacecraft from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the method comprising:
- supporting the spacecraft on a support assembly in a horizontal position;
- aligning an aft portion of the spacecraft with a seat;
- rotating the support assembly and the seat about a hinge axis to place the spacecraft in a vertical position;
- and
- rotating the support assembly but not the seat about the hinge axis after placing the spacecraft in the vertical position.
A method for moving a spacecraft from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the method comprising:
- supporting the spacecraft on a support assembly in a horizontal position;
- aligning an aft portion of the spacecraft with a seat;
- coupling an umbilical transfer mast to a plurality of access points on the spacecraft while the spacecraft is in the horizontal position;
- rotating the support assembly, the seat, and the transfer mast about a hinge axis to place the spacecraft in a vertical position;
- and
- providing access to the spacecraft using the transfer mast while the spacecraft is in the vertical position.
A spacecraft launch system, comprising:
- a support assembly having a first portion with a plurality of arcuate supports to support a spacecraft in a horizontal position, a second portion removably coupled to the first portion, and a first alignment member;
- a seat having an annular platform to support an aft portion of the spacecraft during a transition from the horizontal position to a vertical position, and a second alignment member that engages the first alignment member to ensure proper alignment between the aft portion of the spacecraft and the annular platform of the seat before the transition;
- a hinge coupled to the support assembly and the seat, wherein the support assembly and the seat rotate about a hinge axis during the transition;
- and
- a take-off pedestal coupled to the seat when the spacecraft is in the vertical position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.