Abstract: A carrier rocket system, with a carrier rocket, together with a launch assistance unit, which is detachably connected, or connectable, to the carrier rocket. The carrier rocket system is set up to take off in a horizontal launch via the launch assistance unit when thrust is generated by at least one propulsion unit of the carrier rocket. The launch assistance unit can be detached from the onward-flying carrier rocket after supersonic velocity has been reached, and is set up to fly back to the earth's surface after its detachment from the carrier rocket. The launch assistance unit preferably provides all the necessary structural supports to enable a carrier rocket that has been designed for a vertical launch to use one or more of its essential components without structural modifications. Also disclosed are a take-off method for a carrier rocket system, and a manufacturing method for a carrier rocket system.

Abstract: An autonomous passenger module is releasably carried on a super-sonic aircraft, such as a military fighter jet, for carrying plural passengers on supersonic and near space flights. The passenger module is equipped with passenger service and life support systems to provide oxygen and the like, a parachute system, and a landing airbag or flotation aid system. The module remains mounted on the aircraft throughout a normal flight. In an emergency situation, the module separates from the aircraft by means of releasable connector elements and descends using parachutes. The module provides high passenger capacity at a low cost in a simple manner for commercial supersonic flights using an existing supersonic aircraft as a carrier platform.

Abstract: An autonomous passenger module is releasably carried on a super-sonic aircraft, such as a military fighter jet, for carrying plural passengers on supersonic and near space flights. The passenger module is equipped with passenger service and life support systems to provide oxygen and the like, a parachute system, and a landing airbag or flotation aid system. The module remains mounted on the aircraft throughout a normal flight. In an emergency situation, the module separates from the aircraft by means of releasable connector elements and descends using parachutes. The module provides high passenger capacity at a low cost in a simple manner for commercial supersonic flights using an existing supersonic aircraft as a carrier platform.