Research/Patents/US 4964340
US 4964340

OVERLAPPING STAGE BURN FOR MULTISTAGE LAUNCH VEHICLES

Assignee

SPACE SERVICES, INC., A CORP. OF DE

Filed

Oct 7, 1988

Granted

Oct 23, 1990

Location

HOUSTON TX US

Abstract

The invention relates to a multistage launch vehicle and method of multistage launch vehicle operation in which at least one subsequent motor stage is ignited following lift-off in partially overlapping relationship with its immediately preceding motor stage prior to shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage in order to effect positive thrust control over the launch vehicle throughout shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage. Preferably, each of the motors comprising the subsequently fired motor stage is provided with a thrust profile in which maximum thrust is attained prior to staging of the preceding stage.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Imposed

Feb 16, 1989

Rescinded

Jun 20, 1989

Duration

4 months

Inventor

  • 1MARK H. DANIELS

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Back to patent indexSource: USPTO 35 USC §181 secrecy order records