Abstract: A single-person spacecraft includes a pressurized crew enclosure, an external equipment bay, and an overhead crown assembly.

Abstract: A novel space theme amusement park ride is disclosed consisting of a fleet of sophisticated bumper-car type vehicles operated by players within a large dome covered facility. The vehicles are configured to resemble combat spacecraft and are equipped to float above the floor on an air cushion supplied by mechanisms within the vehicle. Each space car vehicle seats a number of players who work as a team and play different roles within the space car such as gunner, helmsman, and Captain. The vehicles are equipped with functioning controls that perform and/or simulate various functions, such as steering, spin control, communications, and simulated weapons' systems. The vehicles and auxiliary equipment include automated devices that override player controls when needed to keep player vehicles within safety limits and to direct the vehicles off the floor at the end of their rides. The floor is circular and may be a thousand feet or more in diameter and simultaneously support 100 to 150 space cars, as for example.

Abstract: The application provides a commercially feasible method of flying repeated orbital missions using a Space Shuttle Program (SSP) Orbital Vehicle.

Abstract: A habitation module with a gravity chamber that rotates to provide an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, a portal chamber is installed adjacent to the gravity chamber and configured to rotate about the same axis. The portal chamber includes a brake mechanism to stop the rotation of the portal chamber, a first access opening for a crew member to pass between an interior of the habitation module and the portal chamber while rotation of the portal chamber is stopped, an engagement mechanism that engages the gravity chamber to rotate the portal chamber about the axis at a speed of the gravity chamber, and a second access opening for the crew member to pass between the portal chamber and the gravity chamber while the portal chamber rotates at the speed of the gravity chamber.

Abstract: A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber is annular and includes an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical structure, and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical structure. The gravity chamber attaches to an outer surface of a hull of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an inner race attached to the outer surface of the hull, and an outer race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the outer race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

Abstract: A habitation module with a gravity chamber that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the gravity chamber includes an outer cylindrical wall and opposing side walls. The gravity chamber attaches to a hull of the habitation module with support bearings. The support bearing includes an outer race attached to an inner surface of the hull, and an inner race attached to the gravity chamber. A drive mechanism drives the inner race of the support bearing to rotate the gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides a mechanism to create an artificial gravitational environment in a toroidal space station in which gravity may vary from zero, of advantage during repairs, manufacturing and research activities, and docking maneuvers, to values greater than one g for preparing astronauts for missions to other planets, or for other purposes. The mechanism couples the rotation of a high density cylinder in the center of the hub to that of the torus through gears such that the total angular momentum of the station is zero, allowing maneuvering of the station to be less complicated since gyroscopic effects are eliminated, and the level of gravity in the torus to be varied without the use of external thrusters. Gears are driven by motors attached to the hubs, providing redundancy for maintenance and emergency operations, with power provided by solar cells, a nuclear power plant, or other means.

Abstract: An airlock that provides a substantially 360 view using enlarged viewports is disclosed.

Abstract: A gravity acceleration station for producing gravity acceleration and creating conditions for living under a permanent effect of gravity acceleration more than 1 g for prolonged periods of time. The station comprises a base and a hollow torus, rotating around a central vertical axis. A support of the station and motors for rotation of the station are located peripherally, along with the perimeter of the torus. That feature allows variable size of the station with diameter more than 100 meters, larger area for location of objects, and gradual increase of gravity acceleration from the center of the station along the radius. Due to a mechanism for altering the angle of deviation of the premises of the station, the value of the net acceleration can be changed according to the needs while keeping direction perpendicular to the floor of the premises. The station can be located on the ground or underground.

Abstract: The application provides a Space Shuttle Program (SSP) Orbital vehicle comprising a payload bay comprising a pressure vessel comprising a passenger bay module adapted to provide and maintain habitable conditions for twenty or more passengers during a mission traveling from earth to space and back to earth.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for enabling propulsive flight from suborbital altitudes and velocities directly to far space, or beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), preferably without requiring injection into or refueling in LEO. The vehicle is preferably reusable and can withstand re-entry speeds and temperatures higher than those that are typical for LEO vehicles. The vehicle preferably lands horizontally, for example on a runway. The vehicle forms the upper stage of a booster vehicle system which can be launched either from the ground or from a subsonic air platform. The vehicle may optionally be used for LEO missions.

Abstract: An extravehicular activity system includes a vehicle having a bulkhead providing a port. The bulkhead separates an interior environment and an unenclosed exterior environment. The exterior environment is configured to be exposed to atmospheric pressure in a donning condition. A cover has a perimeter with a side of the perimeter secured to the bulkhead by a hinged joint. A spacesuit is supported on the bulkhead in the exterior environment and includes a flange providing a rear entry opening aligned with the port. A PLSS is retained in the cover and spaced from the flange in the donning condition. The PLSS is configured to be rotated about the hinged joint and into engagement with the flange in a donned condition in which the PLSS is removably secured to the flange.

Abstract: The seat specially designed for space vehicles and in particular space planes comprises a rigid hull and parts of axis of which the direction of alignment passes in front of the occupant of the seat and along him; the seat rotates freely around parts of axis according to the direction of the acceleration in order to always place the occupant in the orientation perpendicular to the forces of acceleration.

Abstract: A conformal airlock assembly for ingress and egress through a door from a high pressure environment to a low pressure environment. The airlock assembly includes a flexible, gas impermeable membrane that cooperates with a support wall in an airtight manner to form an interior pocket over the door on one side of the wall. A gas displacement system, in flow communication with the interior pocket, is selectively operable to flow air out of the interior pocket, collapsing the membrane toward a collapsed condition. An actuation system coupled to the flexible membrane is operable to displace the flexible membrane, in the collapsed condition, away from the one side of the support wall. Such displacement of the airtight membrane creates a low pressure space in the pocket that is selected to be sufficiently proximate that of the low pressure environment. Hence, the door may be opened to permit ingress and egress therethrough without a large pressure differential.

Abstract: The space station pyramid design is to be erected around an Earthbound land mass (i.e. homes, towns and sanctuaries), thereby, encapsulating the land mass. Propulsion systems will raise the station into Earth's orbit. Artificial gravitation is provided through electrostatic forces within the structure.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat assembly as described herein is formed from two primary and modular components: a structural frame that provides passenger support and dynamic load paths for the seat assembly; and a comfort frame that provides the passenger seating surface and the external upholstery layer for the seat assembly. If the seat assembly is designed for multiple passengers, then a separate comfort frame is used for each passenger seat location. The structural frame can be formed as a molded composite construction, and the comfort frame can also utilize a molded composite support frame. The support frame is used as a mounting shell for a fabric carrier that includes the external upholstery layer. The modular design and use of composite materials results in a significant weight and parts count savings relative to conventional seat designs.

Abstract: A conformal airlock assembly for ingress and egress through a door from a high pressure environment to a low pressure environment. The airlock assembly includes a flexible, gas impermeable membrane that cooperates with a support wall in an airtight manner to form an interior pocket over the door on one side of the wall. A gas displacement system, in flow communication with the interior pocket, is selectively operable to flow air out of the interior pocket, collapsing the membrane toward a collapsed condition. An actuation system coupled to the flexible membrane is operable to displace the flexible membrane, in the collapsed condition, away from the one side of the support wall. Such displacement of the airtight membrane creates a low pressure space in the pocket that is selected to be sufficiently proximate that of the low pressure environment. Hence, the door may be opened to permit ingress and egress therethrough without a large pressure differential.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.

Abstract: A conformal airlock assembly for ingress and egress through a door from a high pressure environment to a low pressure environment. The airlock assembly includes a flexible, gas impermeable membrane that cooperates with a support wall in an airtight manner to form an interior pocket over the door on one side of the wall. A gas displacement system, in flow communication with the interior pocket, is selectively operable to flow air out of the interior pocket, collapsing the membrane toward a collapsed condition. An actuation system coupled to the flexible membrane is operable to displace the flexible membrane, in the collapsed condition, away from the one side of the support wall. Such displacement of the airtight membrane creates a low pressure space in the pocket that is selected to be sufficiently proximate that of the low pressure environment. Hence, the door may be opened to permit ingress and egress therethrough without a large pressure differential.

Abstract: The seat specially designed for space vehicles and in particular space planes comprises a rigid hull and parts of axis of which the direction of alignment passes in front of the occupant of the seat and along him; the seat rotates freely around parts of axis according to the direction of the acceleration in order to always place the occupant in the orientation perpendicular to the forces of acceleration.

Abstract: A geosynchronous Solar Power Satellite System is created by an artificial gravity, closed ecology, multiple use structure in low earth orbit that manufactures modular solar power panels and transmitter arrays. This facility takes empty fuel tanks and expended rocket boosters from launch vehicles that are sent into low earth orbit, and re-manufactures them into structural components. These components are mated to solar cells that are launched from earth. The modular solar panels are transported to geosynchronous orbit by vehicles with ion engines, where the panels are mated to other solar panels to collect power. Structural components are also mated to transmitter elements launched from earth. These are likewise transported to geosynchronous orbit. They are mated to the solar power collecting panels and they beam the collected power back to earth.

Abstract: A vehicle and method for enabling propulsive flight from suborbital altitudes and velocities directly to far space, or beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), preferably without requiring injection into or refueling in LEO. The vehicle is preferably reusable and can withstand re-entry speeds and temperatures higher than those that are typical for LEO vehicles. The vehicle preferably lands horizontally, for example on a runway. The vehicle forms the upper stage of a booster vehicle system which can be launched either from the ground or from a subsonic air platform. The vehicle may optionally be used for LEO missions.

Abstract: A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided.

Abstract: A conformal airlock assembly for ingress and egress through a door from a high pressure environment to a low pressure environment. The airlock assembly includes a flexible, gas impermeable membrane that cooperates with a support wall in an airtight manner to form an interior pocket over the door on one side of the wall. A gas displacement system, in flow communication with the interior pocket, is selectively operable to flow air out of the interior pocket, collapsing the membrane toward a collapsed condition. An actuation system coupled to the flexible membrane is operable to displace the flexible membrane, in the collapsed condition, away from the one side of the support wall. Such displacement of the airtight membrane creates a low pressure space in the pocket that is selected to be sufficiently proximate that of the low pressure environment. Hence, the door may be opened to permit ingress and egress therethrough without a large pressure differential.