John J Mockovciak

US Patent:

51582481, Oct 27, 1992

Filed:

Sep 11, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/580580

Inventors:

John Mockovciak - Pearland TX

Assignee:

Grumman Aerospace Corporation - Bethpage NY

International Classification:

B64G 162

US Classification:

244160

Abstract:

A re-entry vehicle that includes three detachable modular components which anticipate total re-useability. Modularization of the composite re-entry vehicle offers great flexibility in re-arranging the various modules to suit a particular mission. The three module components include a crew module, principally serving as a crew cabin, and attached thereto is a modular heat shield or re-entry module which principally provides for thermal protection of the cabin module during re-entry. Propulsion for the cabin module to achieve a particular re-entry orbit is provided by a versatile service stage which becomes detached from the other two modules upon attainment of a desired re-entry trajectory. When used in conjunction with a Space Station, the versatile service stage may be propelled back to the Space Station for refueling and re-use.