A launch system and method improve the launch efficiency of a booster rocket and payload. A launch aircraft atop which the booster rocket is mounted in a cradle, is flown or towed to an elevation at which the booster rocket is released. The cradle provides for reduced structural requirements for the booster rocket by including a compressible layer, that may be provided by a plurality of gas or liquid-filled flexible chambers. The compressible layer contacts the booster rocket along most of the length of the booster rocket to distribute applied pressure, nearly eliminating bending loads. Distributing the pressure eliminates point loading conditions and bending moments that would otherwise be generated in the booster rocket structure during carrying. The chambers may be balloons distributed in rows and columns within the cradle or cylindrical chambers extending along a length of the cradle. The cradle may include a manifold communicating gas between chambers.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Pressure-Equalizing Cradle for Booster Rocket Mounting


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2015-02-24


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    REUSABLE BOOSTER ROCKET

    SUSHENTSEV BORIS NIKIFOROVICH | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    Booster Rocket Guidance System

    V. Karin | NTIS | 1975


    Solid Rocket Booster Compartment Pressure Flight Data Analysis

    Kanner, H. S. / Hengel, J. / AIAA | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001


    Solid rocket booster compartment pressure flight data analysis

    Kanner, Howard / Hengel, John | AIAA | 2001


    Ring-shaped booster rocket

    STARKEY RYAN / ALTAMIRANO DARIO N | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access