A reusable Earth-to-orbit vehicle is described with an orbital stage sized to fit into a payload bay equipped, Earth-return-capable space vehicle such as the United States Space Shuttle. The orbital stage is equipped with a reusable rocket engine capable of operation from the Earth's surface to Earth orbit. The orbital stage propels itself into Earth orbit with the help of boosters that separate and return to Earth before orbit is reached. After delivering its payload, the orbital stage is placed in the Earth-return-capable space vehicle's payload bay and returned to Earth for reuse.
Earth-to-Orbit Vehicle Providing a Reusable Orbital Stage and Method of Utilizing Same
1987
15 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch