Leo lb-1a satellite launch system

Abstract

The present invention, LB-1A, is a system for launching satellites, including small-sats, mini-sats, nano-sats, medical and scientific experiments, sub-orbital, orbital, and other aerospace payloads, which includes a modified existing carrier aircraft and a streamlined, unmanned rocket propelled lifting body spacecraft, air-launched from said carrier aircraft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the priority date of Provisional Patent Application 62 / 082,450 filed Nov. 20, 2014.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Satellites are essential for many aspects of modern life. GPS, television, broadcast, mobile communications devices, all rely on the ability to place satellites in orbit.[0003]Following advances in engineering and technology, particularly in miniaturization, the lack of an affordable, reliable and easily accessible launch service for small satellites has all but grounded flight-ready experiments and generally stifled progress in the field for several years. Having commissioned a study in summer, 2014, “Air Launch or Ground Launch: A Small Satellite Comparative Study”, to discover the reasons for this lapse, the inventors have undertaken to outline a specific air launch response. The concept of air launching space vehicles is well known through the NASA / Dryden B-52 at Edwards AFB in California, and the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system for launching small satellites and other payloads using a spacecraft and a carrier aircraft. The system includes a modified carrier aircraft, a spacecraft, and all the necessary equipment for the launch and protection of the payload. The system aims to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable small-sat delivery service.

Problems solved by technology

Following advances in engineering and technology, particularly in miniaturization, the lack of an affordable, reliable and easily accessible launch service for small satellites has all but grounded flight-ready experiments and generally stifled progress in the field for several years.

While avoiding many vagaries (uncertain weather, scheduling conflicts, flight irregularities, restrictive and expensive protocols, etc.) associated with ground based operations, the delays, high price tags and insurance costs nevertheless remain problematic.

We learned from the study that air launching has challenges of its own; the negative impact on the performance of the “pitch-up” maneuver immediately after horizontal separation is far from trivial.

However, the burn rate of rocket fuels is very rapid, generally around one minute or a few seconds longer, therefore considerable first stage energy is depleted in regaining lost altitude and establishing a positive climb profile.

Additionally, while rocket aerodynamics are very low drag, they are also very low lift.

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