An improved Space Shuttle with variable internal volume is provided. The Space Shuttle Orbiter includes a telescoping main propulsion unit. This main propulsion unit contains the main rocket engines and fuel tanks and telescopes into the Space Shuttle. A variable cavity is located between this unit and the crew compartment. Accordingly, the positioning of the telescoping main propulsion unit determines the volume of the variable cavity. Thus, the volume of the variable length of the entire Space Shuttle may be increased or decreased to achieve desired configurations for optimal storage. In one embodiment of the invention, the payload also telescopes within the variable cavity.
Shuttle Orbiter with Telescoping Main Propulsion Unit and Payload
1991
12 pages
Report
No indication
English
Manned Spacecraft , Government Inventions for Licensing , Patent applications , Propulsion system configurations , Space shuttle orbiters , Folding structures , Shuttle derived vehicles , Space shuttle main engine , Spacecraft configurations , Spacecraft propulsion , Spacecraft structures , Cavities , Fuel tanks , Payload integration , Space shuttle payloads , Spacecraft cabins