Abstract: A device for protecting an optical instrument of a satellite comprises a body on which the optical instrument is mounted, said protection device having a folded-down position and a deployed position, and further comprising a plurality of rigid panels in the deployed position, the device forming a tube, the section of which is a polygon, arranged so as to protect the optical instrument, the longitudinal axis of the tube being substantially parallel with the focal axis of the optical instrument, the faces of the tube of polygonal section being formed by panels, in the folded-down position, said panels being held against the body of the satellite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for launching a space vehicle. Operation of a first portion of a plurality of rocket engines associated with a space vehicle is started such that a flow of a gas is initiated through a duct system under the plurality of rocket engines. The gas is located in an area near the plurality of rocket engines. Operation of a second portion of the plurality of rocket engines associated with the space vehicle is started after the flow of the gas begins traveling through the duct system to launch the space vehicle.

Abstract: A single center elevator, circle inner-ring, circle outer-ring elevator, vertical fuselage flight, vertical plan multi-floor section, bottom escape cockpit, top escape cockpit, mass-levitate, ascend, descend flight, first, second, third, fourth section, control tower, bed, food service, lavatory, landing pad, winch machine, jet/rocket fuel tank, circle passage hole, rope anchor hook, earth terminal station, center-hanger, up nozzle, down nozzle, Jet/rocket power plants, inner-docking bays, outer docking bays, multi robotic arms, cone shaped circular, glue, cylindrical multi-soft envelopes, cylindrical thick outer wall envelope, ceramic fiber fabric, geometric form, web-mesh carbon wire, upper chute-flap, down chute flap, helium gas, float, circle center post pole, truss bridge, top circle truss, hover, anchors, parking zone, V-shaped circle, laser, floor gate, test-gauge, repair/inspection, guy-wires, heavy grade mesh-ceramic fiber, launch/docking platforms, light grade web-mesh ceramic fiber, cargo-transport

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing having an opening, a connector unit, a moveable door, and a biasing system. The connector unit is located inside the housing. The connector unit is capable of providing an electrical connection to a complementary connector unit. The moveable door is capable of being moved into an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position covers the opening. The biasing system is capable of aligning the connector unit with the complementary connector unit and causing the connector unit to engage the complimentary connector unit.