Jennifer Wells Green

US Patent:

6666409, Dec 23, 2003

Filed:

Feb 26, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/374292

Inventors:

Jon J. Carpenter - Redondo Beach CA
Jeffrey J. Cronick - Huntington Beach CA
Jennifer L. Green - Safety Harbor FL
Brian R. Lindley - Corona del Mar CA
James K. Wechsler - Irvine CA
Thomas R. Smith - Westminister CA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B64G 114

US Classification:

244162, 244158 R

Abstract:

A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift the the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.

US Patent:

20030042367, Mar 6, 2003

Filed:

Aug 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/944811

Inventors:

Jon Carpenter - Redondo Beach CA, US
Jeffrey Cronick - Huntington Beach CA, US
Jennifer Green - Safety Harbor FL, US
Brian Lindley - Corona del Mar CA, US
James Wechsler - Irvine CA, US
Thomas Smith - Westminister CA, US

International Classification:

B64G001/12
B64G001/52
B64G001/54
B64G001/56
B64G001/58
B64G001/60

US Classification:

244/162000

Abstract:

A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift to the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.

US Patent:

20030042369, Mar 6, 2003

Filed:

Aug 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/945090

Inventors:

Jon Carpenter - Redondo Beach CA, US
Jeffrey Cronick - Huntington Beach CA, US
Jennifer Green - Safety Harbor FL, US
Brian Lindley - Corona del Mar CA, US
James Wechsler - Irvine CA, US

International Classification:

B64C025/54
B64G001/42

US Classification:

244/172000

Abstract:

An orbit transfer vehicle for transporting cargo between a low Earth orbit and a higher Earth orbit having a body and an engine operably coupled to the body. A reaction control system is further provided and is operably coupled to the body. The reaction control system having a plurality of thrusters capable of maneuvering the orbit transfer vehicle. The orbit transfer vehicle further includes an energy absorbing panel operable to gather energy and an energy storage device operable to store the energy. Still further, a payload interface mechanism is provided having a payload container area and a payload retaining device. The payload retaining device is connectable to the cargo. Lastly, a controller for autonomously controlling the engine, the reaction control system, and the payload interface mechanism to control the orbit transfer vehicle so as to transport the cargo between a low Earth orbit to a higher Earth orbit.