A heavy launch vehicle is discussed. The launch vehicle is comprised of an expendable, multi-container, propellant tank that has a plurality of winged booster propulsion modules at one end and a payload supported by adapter structure at the other end. The preferred payload is an entry module that can be adapted for docking to the space station and used as a return vehicle for the space station crew. Additionally, the payload may include communication satellites, supplies, equipment, and/or structural elements for the space station. The winged propulsion modules are released from the expendable propellant tank, in pairs, and they return to Earth in a controlled glide. After a safe landing, at or near the launch site, the modules are prepared for reuse. The rocket engines for each propulsion module are dual-fuel, dual-mode engines and use methane-oxygen and hydrogen-oxygen from the multi-containers of the propellant tank. When the propulsion modules are released from the expendable propellant tank, the rocket engines are moved into the module cargo bay for the return glide flight.


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    Title :

    Integrated launch and emergency vehicle system


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1992-09-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English







    Integrated System Technology In a Launch Vehicle Integrated Testbed

    Woo, H. H. / Burnett, W. G. / McKinney, J. A. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994


    Integrated System Technology in a Launch Vehicle Integrated Testbed

    Woo, H. H. / Burnett, W. G. / McKinney, J. A. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994