Ramon Luis Rivera

US Patent:

60450940, Apr 4, 2000

Filed:

Nov 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/963433

Inventors:

Ramon L. Rivera - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

B64G 156
B64G 160
B64G 164

US Classification:

244159

Abstract:

A space vehicle which is a combined space ship and space station (1), able to combine the functions of a lunar mission transport and a lunar support station. Propulsion rockets (60) are used for translation, and thrusters for attitude control and station keeping. The vehicle (1) inner components (2,8) are rotated to produce variable finite gravities, while the outer components are stationary for zero gravity. The center of vehicle (1) is a vertical main module (2) to which are attached a horizontal network of minor modules (8) to form spokes and periphery of a wheel structure. This module network is rotated by electromagnetic bearings (44, 10) powered by vehicle (1) electricity. The stationary parts of the electromagnetic bearings (48, 14) are connected to truss support assemblies (50, 52, 54, 56, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82) which are at zero gravity. Docking facilities for visiting space ships, such as the Space Shuttle, are attached to a truss support assembly (54). The one-g peripheral modules (8) house the crews and one-g experiments, while spoke modules (8) are devoted to activities at partial gravity.