Abstract: A constellation of Earth-orbiting spacecraft, the constellation having an orbital maneuver lifetime life (OML), includes a first spacecraft disposed in a first orbit and a second spacecraft disposed in a second orbit, each of orbit being substantially circular with a radius of approximately 42,164 km and having a respective inclination with respect to the equator specified within a range of 10° to 20°. The first orbit has, at beginning of life (BOL), a first right ascension of ascending node (BOL-RAAN1) and the second orbit has, at BOL, a second RAAN (BOL-RAAN2) the BOL-RAAN1 and the BOL-RAAN2 being separated by a first angular separation ?-RAAN1. A first stationkeeping delta-V (?V1) applied over the OML to the first spacecraft, in combination with a second delta-V (?V2) applied over the OML to the second spacecraft, maintains the ?-RAAN1 approximately constant and an actual inclination within specification, and ?V1 approximately equals ?V2.

Abstract: A constellation of Earth-orbiting spacecraft, the constellation having an orbital maneuver lifetime life (OML), includes a first spacecraft disposed in a first orbit and a second spacecraft disposed in a second orbit, each of orbit being substantially circular with a radius of approximately 42,164 km and having a respective inclination with respect to the equator specified within a range of 10° to 20°. The first orbit has, at beginning of life (BOL), a first right ascension of ascending node (BOL-RAAN1) and the second orbit has, at BOL, a second RAAN (BOL-RAAN2) the BOL-RAAN1 and the BOL-RAAN2 being separated by a first angular separation ?-RAAN1. A first stationkeeping delta-V (?V1) applied over the OML to the first spacecraft, in combination with a second delta-V (?V2) applied over the OML to the second spacecraft, maintains the ?-RAAN1 approximately constant and an actual inclination within specification, and ?V1 approximately equals ?V2.

Abstract: The energetic salts of 3-nitramino-4-nitrofurazan have a desirable combination of desirable properties such as sufficiently high densities, and low or no hydrogen content. The salts are useful as ingredients in various propellant, explosive, gassifier, and pyrotechnic compositions. 3-Nitramino-4-nitrofurazan is itself a useful energetic compound and is also useful in the synthesis of still further energetic compounds.

Abstract: This invention is first, a difunctional poly(glycidyl nitrate) oligomer (PGN oligomer), second, nitrated PGN oligomer and third, the use of the nitrated PGN oligomer as a plasticizer, particularly as a plasticizer for binders used in and/or as energetic formulations. Examples of energetic formulations are propellants, pyrotechnics and explosives and other such compositions. More particularly, this invention is a difunctional poly(glycidyl nitrate) oligomer of the formula ##STR1## where n is 0 to 3, having a M.sub.n of from about 304 to about 994. Another embodiment is the nitrated difunctional poly(glycidyl nitrate) oligomer of the formula ##STR2## where n is 0 to 3, having a M.sub.n of from about 394 to about 1084.

Abstract: Improved thermoplastic elastomer compositions having improved processing and mechanical characteristics without requiring addition of excessive quantities of plasticizer comprise at least one thermoplastic elastomer loaded with a crystalline modifier having a relatively low melting point. The modifier can be liquid at the processing temperature, resulting in increased ease in handling of the product. An exemplary crystallizable modifier is an alkylated pentacycloundecane dimer.

Abstract: Isotactic poly(glycidyl nitrate) useful in solid propellants is produced by polymerizing chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer, (S) glycidyl nitrate. Chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer is prepared by sequential treatment of chiral (S) glycidyl tosylate or its enantiomer with nitric acid and sodium hydroxide. Chiral (S) glycidyl tosylate or its enantiomer, (R) glycidyl tosylate, can be produced by Sharpless epoxidation of allyl alcohol or by direct tosylation or commercially available chiral glycidol. Likewise, chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer, (S) glycidyl nitrate, can be prepared directly via nitration of (S) or (R) glycidol, respectively.

Abstract: Isotactic poly(glycidyl nitrate) useful in solid propellants is produced by polymerizing chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer, (S) glycidyl nitrate. Chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer is prepared by sequential treatment of chiral (S) glycidyl tosylate or its enantiomer with nitric acid and sodium hydroxide. Chiral (S) glycidyl tosylate or its enantiomer, (R) glycidyl tosylate, can be produced by Sharpless epoxidation of allyl alcohol or by direct tosylation of commercially available chiral glycidol. Likewise, chiral (R) glycidyl nitrate or its enantiomer, (S) glycidyl nitrate, can be prepared direcly via nitration of (S) or (R) glycidol, respectively.

Abstract: An improved process for producing poly(glycidyl nitrate) having a functionality substantially equivalent to the hydroxy functionality of the initiator employed in which a catalyst-initiator complex is reacted with glycidyl nitrate and wherein the ratio of mols catalyst/mols hydroxyls in the initiator is <1:1, the gylcidyl nitrate monomer is added to the catalyst-initiator complex reaction mixture at a rate in which the monomer is used up (reacted) essentially as fast as it is added, and the reaction temperature is maintained at a temperature within the range of from about 10.degree. to 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A device for separating a stream of rod-like articles in stack formation by projection in a direction transverse to the lengths of the articles comprises a movable support for guide means around which passes at least one flexible band. As the device is projected through the stream the part of the band in contact with the articles is held stationary thus minimizing disturbance of and possible damage to the articles. The device may be used to close off an opening through which a container is loaded or unloaded and may also by used to separate a horizontally moving stream into batches.

Abstract: A device for separating a stream of rod-like articles in stack formation by projection in a direction transverse to the lengths of the articles comprises a movable support for guide means around which passes at least one flexible band. As the device is projected through the stream the part of the band in contact with the articles is held stationary thus minimising disturbance of and possible damage to the articles. The device may be used to close off an opening through which a container is loaded or unloaded and may be used to separate a horizontally moving stream into batches.