Abstract: A system for launching aerospace payloads includes a wingless, unmanned modified lifting body spacecraft (100), with a payload compartment in the forward section of the spacecraft. The spacecraft is propelled by hybrid rockets clustered in the aft section of the spacecraft. Reaction control system (RCS) modules control the flight path and its associated avionics hardware and software. This system also includes a carrier aircraft (200) configured to air-launch the spacecraft. The carrier aircraft includes a flight operations control system, which monitors the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls launch and flight operations of the spacecraft. A ground-based mission control system monitors and controls the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls the launch and flight operations of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A system for launching aerospace payloads includes an unmanned modified lifting body spacecraft (100), with a payload compartment in the forward section of the spacecraft. The spacecraft is propelled by hybrid rockets clustered in the aft section of the spacecraft. Reaction control system (RCS) modules control the flight path and its associated avionics hardware and software. This system also includes a carrier aircraft (200) configured to air-launch the spacecraft. The carrier aircraft includes a flight operations control system, which monitors the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls launch and flight operations of the spacecraft. A ground-based mission control system monitors and controls the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls the launch and flight operations of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A system for launching aerospace payloads includes a wingless, unmanned modified lifting body spacecraft (100), with a payload compartment in the forward section of the spacecraft. The spacecraft is propelled by hybrid rockets clustered in the aft section of the spacecraft. Reaction control system (RCS) modules control the flight path and its associated avionics hardware and software. This system also includes a carrier aircraft (200) configured to air-launch the spacecraft. The carrier aircraft includes a flight operations control system, which monitors the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls launch and flight operations of the spacecraft. A ground-based mission control system monitors and controls the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls the launch and flight operations of the spacecraft.

Abstract: The present invention, LB-1A, is a system for launching satellites, including small-sats, mini-sats, nano-sats, medical and scientific experiments, sub-orbital, orbital, and other aerospace payloads, which includes a modified existing carrier aircraft and a streamlined, unmanned rocket propelled lifting body spacecraft, air-launched from said carrier aircraft.