Abstract: Described herein is a method of constructing a landing pad using a rocket engine while in-flight. Among other benefits, this method can reduce ejecta that otherwise would occur during landing on an unimproved surface. While a spacecraft is hovering over an unimproved surface, the spacecraft can inject particles into its rocket engine, after which the particles absorb heat from the engine and are projected at ballistic speeds toward the unimproved surface to create a landing pad. After constructing the landing pad and waiting for the landing pad to cool, the spacecraft can land on the landing pad. Also described herein are landing pads created from such particles as they impact the surface in a disc splat mode into the unimproved surface.
Abstract: Described herein is a method of constructing a landing pad using a rocket engine while in-flight. Among other benefits, this method can reduce ejecta that otherwise would occur during landing on an unimproved surface. While a spacecraft is hovering over an unimproved surface, the spacecraft can inject particles into its rocket engine, after which the particles absorb heat from the engine and are projected at ballistic speeds toward the unimproved surface to create a landing pad. After constructing the landing pad and waiting for the landing pad to cool, the spacecraft can land on the landing pad. Also described herein are landing pads created from such particles as they impact the surface in a disc splat mode into the unimproved surface.
Abstract: Described herein is a method of constructing a landing pad using a rocket engine while in-flight. Among other benefits, this method can reduce ejecta that otherwise would occur during landing on an unimproved surface. While a spacecraft is hovering over an unimproved surface, the spacecraft can inject particles into its rocket engine, after which the particles absorb heat from the engine and are projected at ballistic speeds toward the unimproved surface to create a landing pad. After constructing the landing pad and waiting for the landing pad to cool, the spacecraft can land on the landing pad. Also described herein are landing pads created from such particles as they impact the surface in a disc splat mode into the unimproved surface.
Abstract: An apparatus for launching, recovering, transporting, and storing vehicles is disclosed. The apparatus stabilizes the vehicle while it is in operation or inactive and has a frame connected to at least one stabilizer. In certain configurations, the apparatus stabilizes the vehicle without using the vehicle's onboard landing gear. The apparatus may also include at least one pad connected to the apparatus.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 5, 2020
Publication date:
March 11, 2021
Applicant:
Masten Space Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Jonathan Yeong Seok Powers, David Masten, Reuben Garcia, Joel Scotkin
Abstract: An apparatus for launching, recovering, transporting, and storing vehicles is disclosed. The apparatus stabilizes the vehicle while it is in operation or inactive and has a frame connected to at least one stabilizer. In certain configurations, the apparatus stabilizes the vehicle without using the vehicle's onboard landing gear. The apparatus may also include at least one pad connected to the apparatus.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2017
Date of Patent:
November 10, 2020
Assignee:
Masten Space Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Jonathan Yeong Seok Powers, David Masten, Reuben Alexander Garcia, Joel Scotkin
Abstract: An additively manufactured non-uniform porous material in-situ with dense material for the in situ additive manufacturing of both porous and dense material in the same part so that no secondary process is required. The additively manufactured non-uniform porous material in-situ with dense material generally includes additively manufactured porous material which can be tuned for porosity and density, has the ability to be built in situ with dense material, and can also be tuned for response to pressure waves. Also included are computer program products, methods and components and systems manufactured using the methods.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 1, 2019
Publication date:
October 3, 2019
Applicant:
Masten Space Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Matthew Kuhns, Jacob S. Nuechterlein, Jeremy Joseph Iten, Adam Polizzi
Abstract: An apparatus for launching, recovering, transporting, and storing vehicles is disclosed. The apparatus stabilizes the vehicle while it is in operation or inactive and has a frame connected to at least one stabilizer. In certain configurations, the apparatus stabilizes the vehicle without using the vehicle's onboard landing gear.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 26, 2017
Publication date:
June 14, 2018
Applicant:
Masten Space Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Jonathan Yeong Seok Powers, David Masten, Reuben Alexander Garcia, Joel Scotkin