REUSABLE ORBITAL VEHICLE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE CARGO MODULES
A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to rockets, and, more particularly, to a reusable orbital vehicle and reusable cargo module.
2. Description of the Related Art
The modern space age may be thought of as beginning on Oct. 4, 1957 with the launch of Sputnik I. From that time until the launch of the first space shuttle in 1981, all portions of the space vehicle were expendable. That is, no parts were reused in subsequent missions.
With the advent of the space shuttle, the solid rocket boosters and orbital vehicle itself were recycled for use in subsequent missions. The large external fuel tank burns up on re-entry and is not recycled. Even with the reusable portions of the space shuttle, the launch cost and operational cost of the space shuttle is significant.
Virtually all satellites, such as communications satellites, weather satellites, and the like, are currently launched on expensive, expendable launch vehicles that are discarded after placing their payloads into orbit. Similarly, orbital vehicles that currently supply the international space station (ISS) are typically expendable vehicles. That is, the booster rocket that places the orbital vehicle into low earth orbit burns up upon re-entry. After providing supplies to the ISS, the orbital vehicle is not reusable.
At present, the space shuttle is the only reusable vehicle for uplifting cargo into orbit. Despite the recycling of some components, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operation of the space shuttle presents a significant cost burden. Therefore, it can be appreciated that there is a significant need for a system and method for a reusable space vehicle that allows cargo to be placed in orbit. The present invention provides this and other advantages as will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
A reusable cargo module having selected standardized dimensions is designed to fit atop a reusable orbital vehicle to provide low cost delivery and retrieval of cargo into orbit. Although other suitable launch vehicles are possible, the reusable space launch vehicle 100, shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the Kistler K-1 is designed for terrestrial launch and landing. The LAP 102 also includes parachutes and airbags to assist in recovery of the LAP. The launch and recovery of the LAP 102 is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,693, which is assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,693 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In an exemplary embodiment, the LAP 102 provides an initial boost to a predetermined altitude of approximately 135,000 feet. The space launch vehicle 100 initiates a separation of the LAP 102 and the OV 104. Following separation, the center engine of the LAP engines 106 fires to provide a controlled return trajectory to the initial launch site or designated alternative landing site. At an altitude of approximately 17,000 feet the LAP 102 deploys parachutes (not shown) and airbags (not shown) to provide a soft landing at the launch site. The LAP 102 is designed to return to the launch area approximately eleven minutes after lift-off.
Following separation, an OV engine 112 ignites to place the OV 104 in earth orbit. The OV engine 112 is supplied with fuel from OV fuel tanks 114. In a typical implementation, the OV fuel tanks 114 provide separate storage for kerosene fuel and LOX oxidizer. Operational details of the OV engine 112 and OV fuel tanks 114 are known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in greater detail herein.
The OV 104 also contains avionics hardware, such as a vehicle computer, guidance system, transmitter(s), receiver(s), and the like. Appropriate avionics software operates on the avionics hardware. Operational details of the avionics hardware and software in the OV 104 are known to those skilled in the art, and need not be described in greater detail herein. The OV 104 is designed for automatic guidance to a rendezvous point in orbit. The rendezvous point may be a predetermined orbit, such as a location to rendezvous with a satellite or scientific instrument (e.g., the Hubble telescope). In an embodiment described herein, the OV is designed to rendezvous with another orbiting body, such as, by way of example, the International Space Station (ISS).
A module 120 sits atop the OV 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the module 120 comprises one of several different interchangeable modules having selected common dimensions, attachment structural elements and aerodynamic characteristics. In an embodiment described herein, the module 120 is implemented as a cargo module 122.
The reusable LAP 102 and OV 104 advantageously permit the attachment of multiple different forms of modules 120, which include payload modules, cargo modules, and passenger modules, for example. A payload module may be used to carry cargo, such as satellites, that will be dispensed once the OV 104 has been placed in orbit. A pressurized passenger module may carry one or more persons into orbit. The passenger module may also carry a limited amount of cargo.
Several different forms of cargo modules will be described herein. In addition, the module 120 may take the form of a pressurized cargo module, an unpressurized cargo module, or a combination of the two. These forms of cargo modules may be used to deliver supplies to an orbiting vehicle, such as the ISS or other space station. A pressurized cargo module is sealed from the environment of space and pressurized. Cargo contained within a pressurized cargo module is transferred via a sealed hatchway. In contrast, an unpressurized cargo module need not be sealed from the environment of space. As will be described in greater detail below, cargo contained within an unpressurized cargo module is exposed to the environment of space during the cargo transfer process.
The module 120 is generally cylindrical in shape and may have varying dimensions, such as length, but has common dimensions and mounting characteristics at an orbital vehicle interface 124. These common dimensions and mounting characteristics advantageously permit the easy interchangeability of modules 120 atop the OV 104. Thus, the appropriate module 120 may be selected based on the specific mission parameters. The reusability of the LAP 102, OV 104 and interchangeable modules 120 provide great space launch flexibility and cost efficiency. For example one mission may provide supplies to the ISS or other space station. This mission may require the use of an unpressurized cargo module to deliver supplies to the ISS. A subsequent mission may deliver passengers to the ISS. One of a plurality of different passenger modules, appropriate for the mission parameters, is selected and mounted atop the OV 104. Thus, the operational features of the module 120 may vary from one mission to another. In additional to a variable length, the diameter of the module 120 may also vary except in the region of the orbital vehicle interface 124 to permit the interchangeability described above.
In one embodiment, the cargo module 122 is attached to the OV 104 using bolts at the orbital vehicle interface 124. If an emergency escape is required, such as during the launch mode, explosive bolts can be used that are fired to allow separation of the cargo module 122 from the OV 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the interior portion of the mid-body 132 is maintained at a positive air pressure sufficient to provide approximately 6 G separation of the cargo module 122 from the OV 104. The cargo module 122 is provided with parachutes to slow the descent and thereby provide a safe landing. The cargo module 122 may also include airbags to supplement those deployed on the OV 104. The airbags also serve to cushion the landing of the cargo module 122.
In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module 122 may be attached to the OV 104 using a releasable attachment mechanism. In this embodiment, the cargo module 122 may be detached from the OV 104 and left in orbit. For example, the cargo module 122 may dock with a space station and detach from the OV 104. The detached cargo module 122 may be temporarily left in orbit. The OV 104 may be reattached to the same cargo module 122 or some other module 120 for the return trip to earth. Thus, the interchangeability of the modules 120 may be useful on earth or in space.
The cargo module 122 is attached to the OV 104 by the orbital vehicle interface 124 as described above. The opposite end of the cargo module 122 comprises a nosecap 130. Once the launch phase of a mission has been completed and the OV 104 is placed in orbit, the nosecap 130 may be moved to an open position, as illustrated in
A flight reusable grapple fixture (FRGF) 141 (see
As can be seen in
The upper portion of the cargo retention structure 152 is coupled to the pressure bulkhead 144 and thus to the docking mechanism 140. When the nosecap 130 is open, the docking mechanism 140 is exposed for the docking procedure. In addition, offloading of the cargo occurs through the opening revealed by the open nosecap 130.
To assist in loading and unloading of the cargo containers 154, the cargo platform 150 and attached structures (i.e., the cargo retention structure 152, pressure bulkhead 144, and docking mechanism 140) are coupled to an elevator that extends outwardly from the cargo module 122 in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the OV 104 when activated. The elevator includes elevator jackscrews 160 disposed about the periphery of the interior portion of the cargo module 122.
Also illustrated in
An advanced video guidance system (AVGS) proximity sensors 146 assist in the automatic guidance of the OV 104 and attached cargo module 122 to its desired destination. For example, the OV 104 and attached cargo module 122 are provided with automatic guidance to rendezvous with, by way of example, the ISS. The AVGS 146 is used in the docking process. An AVGS door 148 protects the AVGS 146 during launch and re-entry or at any other time when the AVGS is not needed.
The operation of the elevator jackscrews 160 is illustrated in
In the cutaway view of
It should be noted that the cargo containers 154 may be stacked in different configurations when loaded into the cargo module 122. For example, certain ones of the cargo containers 154 illustrated in
In one implementation, the cargo module 122 may contain gas or chemical canisters (not shown) to generate electricity in a well-known manner. In the implementation illustrated in
In yet another alternative embodiment,
The space launch vehicle 100 (see
In one example of a typical operation, the forward fairing 202 is extended to its maximal length to accommodate a large amount of cargo. Once in orbit, and docked to the desired target (e.g., a space station), the cargo may be unloaded in a manner described above. Following the unloading of the cargo, and possible loading of return cargo, the cargo module 122 is disengaged and the nosecap 130 closed. Under circumstances where a small amount of cargo is returned to earth, the forward fairing 202 may be adjusted to slide over the aft fairing 204 to the retracted position for the re-entry. Alternatively, the forward fairing 202 may remain in the extended position to accommodate the return of larger amounts of cargo to earth.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the slideable forward fairing 202 may be adjusted to the retracted position during launch and extended for the return as well. This embodiment is illustrated in
In yet another embodiment, illustrated in the cutaway views of
As discussed previously, the nosecap 130 can be moved to the closed position to protect the docking mechanism 140 during launch and re-entry. In orbit, the nosecap 130 is opened to expose the docking mechanism 140. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the docking mechanism 140 for the pressurized cargo container 210 serves to permit the transfer of cargo through a sealed hatchway formed by the docking mechanism 140. Thus, cargo contained within the pressurized cargo container 210 is never exposed to the environment of space.
Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the docking mechanism 140 on the pressurized cargo container 210 may serve to transfer electrical power, liquids, such as water, LOX, rocket fuel, or the like to and from the pressurized cargo container 210.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the pressurized cargo container 210 may be completely extracted from the cargo module 122 and allowed to remain in orbit. In the embodiment illustrated in
As discussed above with respect to
If a particular ORU 154 requires electrical power or other signals, those signals may be provided by an interface (not shown) within the cargo module. For example, electrical power may be provided to a particular ORU 154 via the active FRAM 222 and adapter plate 220. As will be described in greater detail below, the active FRAM 222 is standardized and has standardized electrical connections. The retention structure 152 (see
The active FRAM 222 can provide an interface for electrical power, environmental control (e.g., heating and/or cooling) and data to the ORU 154. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each ORU 154 may have unique requirements. For example, one type of ORU 154 may require electrical power and maintain data while another type of ORU may only require heating. Accordingly, the adapter plate 220 includes an interface that may be unique or customizable for each type of ORU 154. However, the mechanical attachment interface of the adapter plate 220 to the active FRAM 222 is standardized. Furthermore, the active FRAM 222 has standard mechanical and electrical interface configurations to accommodate mounting to the payload carrier plate 224. In this manner, cargo can be delivered to a space station and stored in a location on the exterior of the space station structure until needed.
In an exemplary embodiment, the space station provides electrical power, environmental control, and data at the location of the payload carrier plate 224. When coupled to the payload carrier plate 224, the active FRAM 222 provides the necessary interfaces through which the necessary signals may be coupled to the ORU 154. For example, one type of ORU 154 may require only electrical power. The adapter plate 220 may include electrical connections only for the necessary power supply connections. The necessary electrical power is coupled to the ORU 154 via the payload carrier plate 224, the standardized active FRAM 222, and the customized adapter plate 220. In another example, a particular type of ORU 154 may require heating as well as electrical power. In this example, additional electrical connectors may be provided by the customized adapter plate 220 to connect to the required connectors on the standardized active FRAM 222 and the standardized payload carrier plate 224.
Thus, the plurality of cargo modules 122 have standardized fittings to mate with the OV 104, but otherwise provide great flexibility with various internal and external configurations to accommodate specific mission goals. In operation, one of the plurality of different cargo modules 122 is selected based on mission parameters and mounted atop the OV. The cargo module 122 may be loaded with cargo prior to attachment to the OV 104 or after attachment to the OV. The reusable space launch vehicle 100 (see
The foregoing described embodiments depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A reusable cargo module system, comprising:
- a reusable orbital vehicle (OV) having a first end and a second end;
- a propulsion system mounted to the proximate the OV second end; and
- a plurality of reusable cargo modules each having a different external configuration and an attachment end with common dimensions configured for interchangeable attachment to the OV first end.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the external configuration comprises length, wherein each of the plurality of reusable cargo modules has a different length.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the length of a selected one of the plurality of reusable cargo modules has a variable length.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the external configuration comprises diameter, wherein each of the plurality of reusable cargo modules has a different diameter.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of reusable cargo modules has a different internal configuration for an interior portion of the cargo modules.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the different internal configurations retain a plurality of cargo containers.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a cargo retention structure in the interior portion to receive and removably retain the plurality of cargo containers.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the plurality of cargo modules are unpressurized cargo modules.
9. A method of operating a reusable cargo module system, comprising:
- selecting one of a plurality of cargo modules, each of the plurality of cargo modules having a substantially cylindrical sidewall having first and second spaced apart ends, a region proximate the sidewall first end having substantially identical dimensions and configured for interchangeable attachment to an orbital vehicle (OV) having a propulsion system;
- each of the plurality of cargo modules having a different exterior configuration; and
- mounting the selected one of the plurality of cargo modules to the OV.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising placing the OV and the selected cargo module in orbit.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising landing the reusable OV and attached cargo module.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising docking the selected cargo module to an orbiting object using a docking mechanism coupled to the selected cargo module.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the selected cargo module includes a moveable nosecap, the method further comprising positioning the moveable nosecap from a closed position to an open position when in an environment of space, the nosecap covering the docking mechanism when in the closed position and exposing the docking mechanism to the environment of space when the nosecap is in the open position.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the selected cargo module contains a plurality of cargo containers, the method further comprising off-loading the plurality of cargo modules through an opening created by opening the moveable nosecap.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the plurality of cargo containers are removably coupled to a retention structure mounted to a moveable support platform within the selected cargo module, the method further comprising moving the support platform in a direction away from the OV to thereby move the plurality of cargo containers coupled to the retention structure through the opening created by opening the moveable nosecap.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the support platform in a direction toward the OV to thereby retract the moveable support platform to a position within the selected cargo module.
17. The method of claim 9 wherein the cargo module contains a cargo compartment having sidewalls walls independent of the cargo module sidewalls, the method further comprising extracting the cargo compartment from the cargo module.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising coupling the cargo compartment to an orbiting object.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising leaving the extracted cargo compartment in orbit.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising reattaching the extracted cargo compartment to the cargo module prior to re-entry.
21. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
- placing the OV and selected one of the plurality of cargo modules in orbit;
- landing the OV and selected one of the plurality of cargo modules;
- selecting a different one of the plurality of cargo modules;
- mounting the selected different one of the plurality of cargo modules to the OV; and
- placing the OV and the selected different one of the plurality of cargo modules in orbit.
Type: Application
Filed: May 10, 2006
Publication Date: Mar 22, 2007
Applicant: Kistler Aerospace Corporation (Kirkland, WA)
Inventors: George Mueller (Kirkland, WA), Richard Kohrs (Kirkland, WA), William Duncan (Kirkland, WA), David Cochran (Duvall, WA), Dean Misterek (Seattle, WA), Terrill Burlison (Kent, WA), Ryan Curtis (Seattle, WA), Thomas Johnson (Bothell, WA), Richard Bailey (Canyon Country, CA), Charles Limerick (Issaquah, WA)
Application Number: 11/382,557
International Classification: B64G 1/00 (20060101);