Robert Arthur Steel

US Patent:

44719264, Sep 18, 1984

Filed:

Feb 22, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/351071

Inventors:

Robert W. Steel - Long Beach CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

B64G 126

US Classification:

244158R

Abstract:

A spacecraft or transfer vehicle for transportation of a payload from a space shuttle parking orbit to a higher operation orbit, wherein the transfer vehicle utilizes housekeeping subsystems integrated into the payload, to avoid unnecessary duplication of these subsystems, for such functions as power supply, guidance, control, and communications. The transfer vehicle disclosed includes a propulsion system with at least one low-thrust bipropellant liquid rocket engine, to provide a "soft" or low-acceleration ascent, and employs two tanking stages, each having four propellant tanks, arranged symmetrically in a circular configuration. The first stage of four tanks is jettisoned during ascent, and the second stage, including the remaining four tanks, the rocket engine, and related supporting structure, is separated from the payload when the operational orbit is reached.

Author:

Robert W. Steel

ISBN #:

0953643026

Author:

Robert Steel

ISBN #:

0854060804