Aerial crane-type manned lunar landing vehicle, lunar landing method and application thereof

Abstract

The present invention proposes an aerial crane-type manned lunar landing vehicle, lunar landing method, and application thereof. The manned lunar landing vehicle comprises a manned spacecraft and a lunar landing vehicle that uses an aerial crane method for lunar landing. The lunar landing vehicle comprises four parts: a descent stage, an ascent stage, a braking stage, and a landing support mechanism. The manned spacecraft comprises two parts: a service module and a return module. The descent stage of the lunar landing vehicle uses an aerial crane for powered descent. After reaching a hovering altitude on the lunar surface, the aerial crane system is disconnected from the other parts of the lunar module and the lunar module is placed on the lunar surface via a rope suspension system. The aerial crane system then disconnects the rope from the lunar module and flies horizontally to a location near the landing point for a soft landing. Compared to traditional conventional lunar landing schemes, the present invention can reduce the overload on the lunar module during landing, reduce its structural weight, and improve the safety of astronauts during the lunar landing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manned lunar landing vehicle, and relates to the field of manned spacecraft, and specifically to an aerial crane-type manned lunar landing vehicle, a lunar landing method, and applications thereof. Background Art

[0002] A manned lunar landing spacecraft is a manned spacecraft designed to transport astronauts from Earth to the Moon, perform a soft landing on the lunar surface, and then return them to Earth. The manned spacecraft is used to transport astronauts between Earth and the Moon, flying through Earth-Moon transfer orbit, lunar orbit, lunar-Earth transfer orbit, and then reentering the atmosphere. The lunar landing spacecraft is used to transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the lunar surface, then take off from the lunar surface, transport the astronauts back to lunar orbit, and rendezvous and dock with the manned spacecraft to complete the transfer of astronauts from the lunar module to the manned spacecraft.

[0003] In addition to transporting astronauts, the lunar spacecraft can also carry other payloads such as scientific experimental equipment, manned lunar rovers, unmanned lunar rovers, and unmanned lunar probes.

[0004] The surface of the moon is a vacuum environment with no atmosphere. The lunar spacecraft cannot use parachutes to slow down and land. During the landing process, it needs to use variable thrust rocket engines to work continuously to slow down and land.

[0005] To date, only the Apollo lunar spacecraft of the 1960s and 1970s have successfully completed a manned lunar landing mission. The Apollo spacecraft consisted of a service module, a command module (return module), and a lunar module. All modules and the astronauts (weighing approximately 45 tons) were launched in a single launch aboard a Saturn V rocket and placed into Earth-Moon transfer orbit. This single-launch approach placed extremely high demands on the rocket's Earth-Moon carrying capacity and posed significant risks.

[0006] The Apollo lunar module consisted of an ascent stage and a descent stage. The descent stage, located below the ascent stage, was used for powered descent. It was equipped with landing legs for cushioning and support during landing. The significant overloads during landing required a high cushioning capacity from the landing legs, resulting in their heavy weight. The astronauts' cabin was located high up, requiring a ladder to reach the lunar surface, making entry and exit inconvenient. Furthermore, conventional landing configurations would cause lunar dust to be disturbed on the lunar surface, and the impact of dust splashes on the sensors in the ascent stage and descent stage would be unavoidable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In response to the above problems, the present invention proposes an aerial crane-type lunar landing mode and a manned lunar landing vehicle based on a lunar orbit rendezvous and docking flight mode. Based on its special structure, it changes the landing method of the lunar module, reduces the carrying capacity requirements of the rocket during a one-time launch, and at the same time reduces the system complexity and risk, thereby improving the safety of astronauts.

[0008] The manned lunar landing vehicle includes a manned spacecraft and a lunar landing spacecraft that uses an aerial crane to land on the moon. The lunar landing spacecraft consists of four parts: a descent stage, an ascent stage, a braking stage, and a landing support mechanism.

[0009] The lunar landing process of the aerial crane-type manned lunar landing mode is as follows: (1) The lunar landing spacecraft is launched by a carrier rocket and sent into the Earth-Moon transfer orbit. (2) The carrier rocket sends the manned spacecraft carrying astronauts into the Earth-Moon transfer orbit. (3) The lunar landing spacecraft arrives near the moon, and the lunar landing spacecraft's braking stage brakes and decelerates it into the lunar orbit, and then discards the braking stage. (4) The manned spacecraft then arrives near the moon, and the service module's engine brakes and decelerates it into the lunar orbit. (5) The manned spacecraft and the lunar landing spacecraft conduct their first rendezvous and docking in the lunar orbit, and the astronauts enter the lunar landing spacecraft's ascent stage from the manned spacecraft's return capsule. (6) The lunar landing spacecraft separates from the manned spacecraft. Then the lunar landing spacecraft's descent stage engine is started for a powered descent. (7) During the descent, the lunar landing spacecraft analyzes the lunar surface terrain, autonomously searches for a flat area, and maneuvers to hover at a specific altitude above the landing point. (8) The descent stage of the lunar lander is disconnected from the lunar module and placed on the lunar surface via a rope suspension system. (9) When the four landing legs of the lunar module are in contact with the lunar surface and are loaded, the rope is disconnected from the lunar module, and the descent stage maneuvers horizontally to a position near the landing point and makes a soft landing. (10) The lunar landing process is completed, and the astronauts go out of the cabin to carry out lunar activities. (11) The astronauts return to the lunar module, the ascent stage engine ignites, separates from the landing legs and leaves the lunar surface. (12) The ascent stage enters the lunar orbit and rendezvouses and docks with the manned spacecraft, and the astronauts enter the return capsule of the manned spacecraft. (13) After the manned spacecraft separates from the ascent stage, it starts its engine and enters the lunar transfer orbit. (14) The manned spacecraft brakes and decelerates, and the return capsule separates from the service module. The return capsule enters the Earth's atmosphere and is recovered, and the manned lunar landing mission is completed.

[0010] The manned spacecraft has a two-stage configuration, including a service module and a reentry module. The reentry module is roughly a truncated cone, with the upper part being the passage for astronauts to enter and exit the module and equipped with an active docking mechanism for docking with the lunar module. The service module is cylindrical, with an engine at the tail.

[0011] The lunar lander utilizes a three-stage design: the first stage is the braking stage, used for near-Moon braking; the second stage is the ascent stage, used for ascending from the lunar surface; and the third stage is the descent stage, used for powered descent. The descent stage is a cylindrical structure designed as an aerial crane, with four engines mounted around its circumference for powered descent. A winch is installed at the bottom, using cables to lower the lunar module to the lunar surface. The bottom of the descent stage is connected to the lunar module via explosive bolts. Multiple attitude control engines are mounted on the sides of the descent stage for attitude adjustments during orbital flight and maneuvering during powered descent.

[0012] The main structure of the ascent stage capsule is a horizontal configuration. One end houses the hatch for astronauts to exit the lunar surface, and the other end houses a passive docking mechanism for docking with the manned spacecraft. The airlock is located near the hatch. The ascent stage engine is mounted at the bottom of the capsule, used for lunar surface takeoff and entry into lunar orbit. Attitude control engines, fuel tanks, and engine plume protection are mounted on the left and right sides. A communications antenna is mounted on the top.

[0013] The landing cushion structure maintains the lunar module's landing stability, supports the lunar module's ascent stage, and provides a launch platform for the ascent stage's takeoff from the lunar surface. It has the ability to adjust its horizontal attitude. The landing legs absorb all or most of the energy during the landing cushioning process, ensuring that the lunar module is not damaged. The foot pads also absorb some of the energy during the landing cushioning process, increasing the contact area with the lunar surface.

[0014] The braking stage is cylindrical, with the main engine of the braking stage at the tail. Solar panels are installed on one side of the cylindrical surface to provide power for the lunar spacecraft. When flying in space, one side of the solar panel faces the sun, which can avoid the complex deployment mechanism of the deployable solar panel.

[0015] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0016] (1) The present invention proposes an aerial crane-type lunar landing mode and a manned lunar landing vehicle based on a lunar orbit rendezvous and docking mode. The lunar landing vehicle is launched into orbit by two carrier rockets separately, docks in the lunar orbit, and separates the manned and cargo vehicles. This reduces the carrying capacity requirements of the rocket during a one-time launch, while reducing system complexity and risks and improving the safety of astronauts.

[0017] (2) During the powered descent phase, if there are some unexpected situations and the descent needs to be terminated and the lunar landing needs to be abandoned, the landing cushion mechanism can be discarded to reduce the weight. The braking engine of the aerial crane system and the upgraded return engine on the lunar module can work at the same time, allowing the lunar module to return to the lunar orbit, thereby ensuring the sufficient safety of the lunar module.

[0018] (3) The spacecraft uses an aerial crane to place the lunar module on the lunar surface, which can effectively reduce the overload during landing, improve the comfort of astronauts, and reduce the strength requirements and structural weight of the landing cushion mechanism.

[0019] (4) The aerial crane-type descent stage can also carry cameras or other equipment, and can also be used to transport other goods to the lunar surface or to hang and place lunar equipment. It can be reused after adding fuel, thereby reducing costs.

[0020] (5) The use of an aerial crane-type descent stage for landing can also avoid the disturbance of lunar dust on the lunar surface and reduce the adverse effects of lunar dust splashing on the ascent stage and descent stage sensors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the manned spacecraft for the aerial crane-type manned lunar landing vehicle.

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the lunar landing spacecraft, which is an aerial crane-type manned lunar landing vehicle.

[0023] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the lunar spacecraft descending using an aerial crane system.

[0024] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the upgrade on the lunar spacecraft.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lunar spacecraft's landing cushioning mechanism.

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the docking of the manned spacecraft and the lunar spacecraft in lunar orbit.

[0027] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the lunar module being lowered to the lunar surface through a rope suspension system.

[0028] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of placing the lunar base module or mobile lunar module on the lunar surface using an aerial crane-style descent stage.

[0029] In the figure, there are the manned spacecraft return capsule 1, the manned spacecraft service module 2, the service module main engine 3, the solar panel 4, the attitude control engine 5, the active docking mechanism 6, the lunar spacecraft descent stage 7, the ascent stage 8, the landing buffer structure 9, the braking stage 10, the payload 11, the descent stage attitude control engine 12, the descent stage main engine 13, the descent stage and ascent stage connecting rod 14, the cable 15, the ascent stage sealed cabin 16, the ascent stage fuel tank 17, the communication antenna 18, the exit hatch 19, the ascent stage main engine 20, the ascent stage attitude control engine 21, the engine plume protection mechanism 22, the return docking sensor 23, the passive docking mechanism 24, the hatch 25, the manual docking cross target 26, the landing leg 27, the ladder 28, and the landing leg foot pad 29. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] The present invention provides an aerial crane-type manned lunar landing vehicle, which includes a manned spacecraft and a lunar landing spacecraft, which are launched separately and docked in a lunar orbit;

[0033] The lunar lander has a three-stage structure. The first stage is the braking stage, used for deceleration and braking near the moon, and is located at the bottom of the lunar lander. The second stage is the ascent stage, used for ascending from the lunar surface, and is located in the middle of the lunar lander. The third stage is the descent stage, used for powered descent, and is located at the top of the lunar lander. The landing cushion mechanism of the lunar module is located between the ascent stage and the braking stage.

[0034] The descent stage adopts an aerial crane mode. The whole is cylindrical. Several engines are installed on the circumference for powered descent. There is a cable at the bottom. The lunar module is placed on the lunar surface by driving the cable to retract and retract.

[0035] The manned spacecraft includes a service module and a return module. The top of the return module is equipped with an active docking mechanism and rendezvous and docking radar equipment. The tail of the service module is equipped with an engine, the side is equipped with an attitude control engine, and both sides are equipped with deployable solar panels.

[0036] The descent stage is equipped with four or eight engines on its outer circumference for powered descent, and a winch is installed at its bottom, which lowers the lunar module to the lunar surface via four cables. The bottom of the descent stage is connected to the lunar module via explosive bolts, and multiple attitude control engines are installed on its side for attitude adjustment during orbital flight and maneuverable flight control during powered descent.

[0037] The ascent stage includes a sealed cabin, which is a horizontal configuration, one end of which is a hatch for astronauts to exit the lunar surface, and the other end is a passive docking mechanism for docking with the manned spacecraft;

[0038] The airlock cabin is located at one end of the sealed cabin near the exit hatch. The ascent stage main engine is installed at the bottom of the ascent stage for taking off from the lunar surface and entering the lunar orbit. Attitude control engines, fuel tanks and engine plume protection mechanisms are installed on the left and right sides. A communication antenna is installed on the top of the sealed cabin.

[0039] The lunar module landing cushion mechanism is equipped with a plurality of landing legs, which are used to maintain the landing stability of the lunar module, support the lunar module ascent stage, and provide a launch platform for the ascent stage to take off from the lunar surface, and has the ability to adjust the horizontal attitude;

[0040] A ladder is installed on one of the landing legs near the hatch for astronauts to reach the lunar surface. A radio altimeter is installed at the bottom of the landing buffer mechanism to transmit the measured altitude data to the descent stage.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] Based on the aforementioned lunar landing vehicle, the present invention also provides a use for a lunar landing vehicle descent stage. This descent stage, utilizing an aerial crane system, can also be used for lunar base construction, transporting supplies to the lunar surface, lunar habitation modules, and unsealed, open-type manned landers. By refueling, the descent stage can be reused after completing the lunar landing mission, for example, for the hanging transport of lunar cargo.

[0043] Example 3

[0044] Based on the above-mentioned lunar landing vehicle, the present invention also provides an aerial crane-type lunar landing method based on lunar orbit rendezvous and docking. The lunar landing method process is as follows:

[0045] (1) The lunar landing spacecraft and the manned spacecraft carrying astronauts are launched separately by a carrier rocket and sent into the Earth-Moon transfer orbit;

[0046] (2) The lunar spacecraft arrives near the moon, and the lunar spacecraft uses the braking stage to brake and decelerate to enter the lunar orbit, and then the braking stage is discarded;

[0047] (3) The manned spacecraft then arrives near the moon and is decelerated by the service module's engines to enter lunar orbit;

[0048] (4) The manned spacecraft and the lunar landing spacecraft conduct their first rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit, and the astronauts enter the ascent module of the lunar landing spacecraft from the return capsule of the manned spacecraft;

[0049] (5) The lunar spacecraft separates from the manned spacecraft, and then the lunar spacecraft's descent stage engine is started for powered descent;

[0050] (6) The lunar lander analyzes the lunar terrain during its descent, autonomously searches for a flat area, and maneuvers to hover at a specific altitude above the landing site.

[0051] (7) The descent stage of the lunar lander is disconnected from the lunar module and the lunar module is placed on the lunar surface using a rope suspension system.

[0052] (8) When all four landing legs of the lunar module are in contact with the lunar surface and are bearing load, the rope is disconnected from the lunar module, and then the descent stage maneuvers horizontally to a position near the landing point and performs a soft landing;

[0053] (9) The lunar landing process is completed and the astronauts will exit the cabin to carry out lunar activities.

[0054] Furthermore, during the powered descent, to terminate the lunar landing, the lunar module jettisoned its landing cushion structure and then activated the ascent stage engine, working in tandem with the descent stage engine to return to lunar orbit. After lowering the lunar module to the lunar surface via a tethered suspension system, the descent stage maneuvered horizontally to a location near the landing site for a soft landing. An onboard camera captured the astronauts' activities on the lunar surface.

[0055] The lunar landing method provided by the present invention can be applied to landing on celestial bodies other than the moon.

[0056] Example 4

[0057] Aerial crane-type manned lunar landing vehicle Figure 1 The manned spacecraft shown and Figure 2 The lunar landing spacecraft shown in the figure consists of a return capsule 1 and a service module 2. The return capsule 1 is equipped with an active docking mechanism 6 on top, while the service module 2 is equipped with deployable solar panels 4 on both sides, attitude control engines 5 on the sides, and the service module main engine 3 at the rear.

[0058] The lunar lander adopts a three-stage scheme. The first stage is the braking stage 10, which is used for braking near the moon. The second stage is the ascent stage 8, which is used for ascending from the lunar surface. The third stage is the descent stage 7, which is used for powered descent. The descent stage adopts an aerial crane mode. The whole is a cylinder with four engines 13 installed on the circumference for powered descent. A winch is installed at the bottom, and the lunar module is lowered to the lunar surface through four cables 15. At the same time, the connecting rod 14 at the bottom of the descent stage is connected to the lunar module through explosive bolts. Multiple attitude control engines 12 are installed on the side of the descent stage for attitude adjustment during orbital flight and maneuverable flight control during powered descent. The top carries a payload 11.

[0059] The main structure of the ascent stage sealed capsule 16 is a horizontal configuration. At one end is a hatch 19 for astronauts to exit the lunar surface, and at the other end is a passive docking mechanism 24 for docking with a manned spacecraft. The end of the sealed capsule 16 near the exit hatch is an airlock. The ascent stage engine 20 is mounted at the bottom of the ascent stage for takeoff from the lunar surface and entry into lunar orbit. Multiple attitude control engines 21, fuel tanks 17, and engine plume protection mechanisms 22 are mounted on the left and right sides. A communications antenna 18 is mounted on the top.

[0060] Landing cushion structure Figure 5As shown, the landing legs include four landing legs 27, which support the lunar module ascent stage and provide a launch platform for the ascent stage to take off from the lunar surface. The landing legs are capable of adjusting their horizontal attitude. During landing, they absorb all or most of the energy required to cushion the impact, protecting the lunar module from any damage. Foot pads 29 are located at the bottom of the landing legs. These absorb some of the energy required to cushion the impact, increasing the contact area with the lunar surface, reducing the pressure on the lunar surface during landing, and preventing the landing legs from sinking too deeply into the lunar surface. Astronauts reach the lunar surface via a ladder 28.

[0061] Example 5

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the lunar module ascent stage and landing legs can be replaced with a lunar base module, a movable module or other equipment, and an aerial crane can still be used to lower the stage and transport it from the lunar orbit to the lunar surface.

[0063] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An application of a lunar landing vehicle descent stage, characterized by: The lunar landing vehicle includes a manned spacecraft and a lunar landing spacecraft, which are launched separately and docked in the lunar orbit; The lunar lander has a three-stage structure. The first stage is the braking stage, used for deceleration and braking near the moon, and is located at the bottom of the lunar lander. The second stage is the ascent stage, used for ascending from the lunar surface, and is located in the middle of the lunar lander. The third stage is the descent stage, used for powered descent, and is located at the top of the lunar lander. The landing cushion mechanism of the lunar module is located between the ascent stage and the braking stage. The descent stage uses an aerial crane system. It is a cylindrical structure with several engines installed around its circumference for powered descent. A cable is installed at the bottom. The cable is driven to extend and retract to lower the lunar module to the lunar surface. The descent stage using an aerial crane system is also used in lunar base construction; By refueling, the descent stage can be reused after completing the lunar landing mission for the hanging transportation of lunar cargo.

2. The application of a lunar landing vehicle descent stage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The manned spacecraft includes a service module and a return module. The top of the return module is equipped with an active docking mechanism and rendezvous and docking radar equipment. The tail of the service module is equipped with an engine, the side is equipped with an attitude control engine, and both sides are equipped with deployable solar panels.

3. The application of a lunar landing vehicle descent stage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The descent stage is equipped with four or eight engines on its outer circumference for powered descent, and a winch is installed at its bottom, which lowers the lunar module to the lunar surface via four cables. The bottom of the descent stage is connected to the lunar module via explosive bolts, and multiple attitude control engines are installed on its side for attitude adjustment during orbital flight and maneuverable flight control during powered descent.

4. The application of a lunar landing vehicle descent stage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ascent stage includes a sealed cabin, which is a horizontal configuration, one end of which is a hatch for astronauts to exit the lunar surface, and the other end is a passive docking mechanism for docking with a manned spacecraft; The airlock cabin is located at one end of the sealed cabin near the exit hatch. The ascent stage main engine is installed at the bottom of the ascent stage for taking off from the lunar surface and entering the lunar orbit. Attitude control engines, fuel tanks and engine plume protection mechanisms are installed on the left and right sides. A communication antenna is installed on the top of the sealed cabin.

5. The application of a lunar landing vehicle descent stage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lunar module landing cushion mechanism is equipped with a plurality of landing legs, which are used to maintain the landing stability of the lunar module, support the lunar module ascent stage, and provide a launch platform for the ascent stage to take off from the lunar surface, and has the ability to adjust the horizontal attitude; A ladder is installed on one of the landing legs near the hatch for astronauts to reach the lunar surface. A radio altimeter is installed at the bottom of the landing buffer mechanism to transmit the measured altitude data to the descent stage.

6. An aerial crane-style lunar landing method based on lunar orbit rendezvous and docking, characterized by: The moon landing method process is as follows: (1) The lunar landing spacecraft and the manned spacecraft carrying astronauts are launched separately by a carrier rocket and sent into the Earth-Moon transfer orbit; (2) The lunar spacecraft arrives near the moon, and the lunar spacecraft brakes and decelerates by the braking stage to enter the lunar orbit, and then discards the braking stage; (3) The manned spacecraft then arrives near the moon and is decelerated by the service module's engines to enter lunar orbit; (4) The manned spacecraft and the lunar landing spacecraft conduct their first rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit, and the astronauts enter the ascent module of the lunar landing spacecraft from the return capsule of the manned spacecraft; (5) The lunar spacecraft separates from the manned spacecraft, and then the lunar spacecraft's descent stage engine is started for powered descent; (6) The lunar lander analyzes the lunar terrain during its descent, autonomously searches for a flat area, and maneuvers to hover at a specific altitude above the landing site. (7) The descent stage of the lunar lander is disconnected from the lunar module. The descent stage uses an aerial crane system. The entire stage is cylindrical, with several engines installed around the circumference for powered descent. A cable is installed at the bottom. The lunar module is lowered to the lunar surface by driving the cable to extend and retract. (8) When all four landing legs of the lunar module are in contact with the lunar surface and are bearing load, the cable is disconnected from the lunar module, and the descent stage then maneuvers horizontally to a position near the landing point and performs a soft landing; (9) The lunar landing process is completed and the astronauts go out of the cabin to carry out lunar activities; When the lunar landing process is to be terminated during the powered descent, the lunar module jettisons the landing cushioning mechanism, which is equipped with several landing legs, and then starts the ascent stage main engine, which works simultaneously with the descent stage engine to return to the lunar orbit.

7. The aerial crane-type lunar landing method based on lunar orbit rendezvous and docking according to claim 6, characterized in that: After the descent stage placed the lunar module on the lunar surface by driving the extension and retraction of the cables, the descent stage maneuvered horizontally to a position near the landing point and made a soft landing. The descent stage carried a camera to film the astronauts' activities on the lunar surface.

8. The application of the aerial crane-type lunar landing method based on lunar orbit rendezvous and docking according to claim 6, characterized in that: This lunar landing method can be applied to landing on other celestial bodies besides the moon.

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