Abstract: Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into outer space are disclosed. Method include powering a thrust augmentation stage of a launch vehicle during an initial portion of a launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; following the initial portion of the launch trajectory, separating a first stage of the launch vehicle from the thrust augmentation stage; powering the first stage of the launch vehicle during the initial portion and during a second portion of the launch trajectory following the initial portion of the launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; and controlling a controlled descent of the thrust augmentation stage to Earth following separation of the thrust augmentation stage from the first stage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into outer space are disclosed. Method include powering a thrust augmentation stage of a launch vehicle during an initial portion of a launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; following the initial portion of the launch trajectory, separating a first stage of the launch vehicle from the thrust augmentation stage; powering the first stage of the launch vehicle during the initial portion and during a second portion of the launch trajectory following the initial portion of the launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; and controlling a controlled descent of the thrust augmentation stage to Earth following separation of the thrust augmentation stage from the first stage.

Abstract: A composite sandwich shell edge joint includes an outboard buildup pad, an inboard buildup pad spaced-apart and adjacent to the outboard buildup pad, an outboard face sheet extending from the outboard buildup pad, an inboard face sheet extending from the inboard buildup pad, bridging plies connecting the outboard buildup pad and the inboard buildup pad and at least one barrel nut installed in the buildup pads.

Abstract: A composite sandwich shell edge joint includes an outboard buildup pad, an inboard buildup pad spaced-apart and adjacent to the outboard buildup pad, an outboard face sheet extending from the outboard buildup pad, an inboard face sheet extending from the inboard buildup pad, bridging plies connecting the outboard buildup pad and the inboard buildup pad and at least one barrel nut installed in the buildup pads.

Abstract: A method for joining fittings to a composite sandwich shell edge includes laying up an inner facesheet and positioning a wrapped flute mandrel on top; applying a layer of adhesive on the inner facesheet and positioning spacer-supported fittings on top; applying adhesive over the co-bonded fittings and laying up an outer facesheet forming an assembly; curing the assembly under heat and pressure; removing the fittings by first collapsing the spacers and removing the flute mandrel; placing an adhesive layer on the fittings with collapsible spacers inserted therein; reinserting the fittings between the inner and outer facesheets and effecting bonding and curing; and removing the spacers from the fittings by collapsing the spacers.

Abstract: A composite resin tank includes a wall joined to a dome along a joint. A softening strip is located in the joint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into outer space are disclosed. Systems include a launch vehicle with at least two stages. A thrust augmentation stage provides thrust during an initial portion of a launch trajectory. A first stage provides thrust during the initial portion and during a second portion of the launch trajectory. In some systems, the thrust augmentation stage is reusable with a distinct first stage. In some systems, the thrust augmentation stage defines a central bore, through which the first stage extends for initial launch of the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A composite resin tank includes a wall joined to a dome along a joint. A softening strip is located in the joint.

Abstract: A vessel includes a vessel wall and an insulation assembly coupled to the vessel wall. The insulation assembly includes a stochastic foam material and a microtruss structure encased within the foam material. The microtruss structure includes a plurality of truss members interconnected at a plurality of nodes. Each truss member is in contact with the foam material such that the microtruss structure provides a structural core for the foam material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a joint. A composite insert may be placed into a joint region for a first structure. The composite insert may comprise a structure having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion all extending from a junction; and a resin impregnated into the structure to form the composite insert. The second structure may be laid up. The composite insert may be bonded to the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into outer space are disclosed. Systems include a launch vehicle with at least two stages. A thrust augmentation stage provides thrust during an initial portion of a launch trajectory. A first stage provides thrust during the initial portion and during a second portion of the launch trajectory. In some systems, the thrust augmentation stage is reusable with a distinct first stage. In some systems, the thrust augmentation stage defines a central bore, through which the first stage extends for initial launch of the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a joint. A composite insert may be placed into a joint region for a first structure. The composite insert may comprise a structure having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion all extending from a junction; and a resin impregnated into the structure to form the composite insert. The second structure may be laid up. The composite insert may be bonded to the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first structure, a second structure, a first layer, and a second layer. The first structure has a first plurality of channels extending towards a number of edges of the first structure. The second structure has a second plurality of channels extending towards a number of edges of the second structure. A first side of the first structure is connected to a first side of the second structure. The first plurality of channels and the second plurality of channels have an orientation with respect to each other. The first layer is connected to a second side of the first structure. The second layer is connected to a second side of the second structure.

Abstract: Fluted core sandwich panels are joined together to form a composite structure. Variations in panel ends are accommodated by a core stiffener insert installed in a joint between ends of the panels.

Abstract: A method for joining fittings to a composite sandwich shell edge includes laying up an inner facesheet and positioning a wrapped flute mandrel on top; applying a layer of adhesive on the inner facesheet and positioning spacer-supported fittings on top; applying adhesive over the co-bonded fittings and laying up an outer facesheet forming an assembly; curing the assembly under heat and pressure; removing the fittings by first collapsing the spacers and removing the flute mandrel; placing an adhesive layer on the fittings with collapsible spacers inserted therein; reinserting the fittings between the inner and outer facesheets and effecting bonding and curing; and removing the spacers from the fittings by collapsing the spacers.

Abstract: A composite sandwich shell edge joint includes an outboard buildup pad, an inboard buildup pad spaced-apart and adjacent to the outboard buildup pad, an outboard face sheet extending from the outboard buildup pad, an inboard face sheet extending from the inboard buildup pad, bridging plies connecting the outboard buildup pad and the inboard buildup pad and at least one barrel nut installed in the buildup pads.

Abstract: Fluted core sandwich panels are joined together to form a composite structure. Variations in panel ends are accommodated by a core stiffener insert installed in a joint between ends of the panels.

Abstract: A method for joining fittings to a composite sandwich shell edge includes laying up an inner facesheet and positioning a wrapped flute mandrel on top; applying a layer of adhesive on the inner facesheet and positioning spacer-supported fittings on top; applying adhesive over the co-bonded fittings and laying up an outer facesheet forming an assembly; curing the assembly under heat and pressure; removing the fittings by first collapsing the spacers and removing the flute mandrel; placing an adhesive layer on the fittings with collapsible spacers inserted therein; reinserting the fittings between the inner and outer facesheets and effecting bonding and curing; and removing the spacers from the fittings by collapsing the spacers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strong bonded wide joints for cryogenic applications. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a three-dimensional preform and a plastic matrix. The plastic matrix may be impregnated in the three-dimensional preform to form a softening strip that may be capable of remaining flexible at a temperature at which a gas may have a liquid form.

Abstract: A tool is used to form a joint between a composite dome and a surrounding composite skirt. The tool includes a tool shell on which composite plies may be laid up to form the skirt and a spacer connected with the shell for filling a gap between the dome and the skirt.