An orbiter launch system for sending a spacecraft into orbit from the upper atmosphere. An orbiter launch assembly is connected to a launch system transporter, wherein the launch system transporter provides lift surfaces for shuttling the orbiter launch assembly and a space orbiter into the upper atmosphere. The space orbiter is slidably engaged with a plurality of stabilization rails of the orbiter launch assembly, wherein the plurality of stabilization rails guides the space orbiter along the orbiter launch assembly when the space orbiter is launched from the launch system transporter. A launching trough funnels exhaust and serves as a heat shield to protect the launch system transporter when the space orbiter is launched. The space orbiter is loaded onto the orbiter launch assembly upside down, wherein a plurality of reversible seats allows passengers to remain sitting upright.
Flying Booster System
2016-09-15
Patent
Electronic Resource
English