Reusable payload module, upper stage and space rocket

Abstract

A reusable payload module (2; 2') as part of an upper stage (12) of a space rocket (1) is provided with a fairing (20A) which, in the closed state of the payload module (2), surrounds a payload receiving space (21) and forms an outer shell (20; 20') of a fuselage (29) of the payload module (2; 2'), which is rotationally symmetrical to a payload module longitudinal axis (X N ) which is coaxial with or parallel to a longitudinal axis (X R ) of the space rocket (1), and is characterized in that the outer shell (20; 20') forming the fairing (20A) has at least two surface sections (23, 24) which are each pivotable about a pivot axis (X 23 , X 24 ) can be pivoted outwards.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a reusable payload module as part of an upper stage of a space rocket according to the preamble of patent claim 1. It further relates to an upper stage and a space rocket with such a payload module.

[0002] For a long time, space transport vehicles were primarily made up of so-called "expendable launch vehicles," such as rockets, which were used once to complete a single mission and could not be reused afterwards. All parts of such a launch system separated from each other during ascent into space and fell back to Earth, where they burned up or were destroyed upon impact.

[0003] For the return transport of payloads or astronauts from space back to Earth, capsules are typically used. These are usually rotationally symmetrical, making them easy to integrate into classic cylindrical rocket configurations and thus inducing no side loads on the rocket during ascent. A disadvantage, however, is that the size and volume of these capsules are limited by the rocket's diameter, and re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere and the subsequent fall back to Earth are only controllable to a limited extent. Furthermore, these capsules usually land with parachutes in the ocean or on land and are subject to severe impact shocks, which poses problems for the capsule's potential reusability and generally precludes its reusability.

[0004] An alternative to capsules as a means of transport are winged space transporters, which exhibit buoyancy when flying in an atmospheric environment and can, in principle, be built longer and therefore larger, thus providing more volume for payloads and / or passengers. In addition, such space transporters can be controlled over a wider flight envelope than capsules.

[0005] Disadvantages of such winged space transporter concepts arise, among other things, from the asymmetrical shape of the space transporter. This asymmetrical shape creates side loads on the launch vehicle during launch and ascent into space via a launch vehicle in the atmosphere, loads for which the vehicle is not typically designed, particularly when crosswinds prevail along the launch vehicle's trajectory. To prevent the aerodynamically induced occurrence of such side loads, such a space transporter is often concealed by payload fairings during ascent, or the space transporter is specially adapted to the launch vehicle, which means that the payload module can only be built correspondingly small.A further disadvantage is that the geometries of the winged configuration are more complex than those of capsules, and thus the shape of a heat shield intended for re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere is significantly more complex and expensive.

[0006] JP H06-286 698 A shows and describes a reusable spacecraft having a cylindrical body with a conical tip attached to it. The cylindrical body and the conical tip can be divided along a longitudinal center plane and, when divided, form two space gliders, each with a payload compartment, with each space glider being equipped with fold-out control surfaces. This known spacecraft is cylindrical with a conical tip as long as it is part of the upper stage of a space rocket during ascent into space. Only when this spacecraft is separated from the upper stage of the space rocket, which only occurs after reaching space, does the spacecraft split into the two halves described. Each of these halves has a payload compartment that is accessible via flaps in the flat center surface.In this case, two bodies that are asymmetrical in themselves are combined to form a rotationally symmetric body.

[0007] CN 1 14 408 217 A shows and describes a cargo spacecraft with a partially cylindrical outer skin along part of its circumference and an elliptical-conical tip. In the area of ​​the partially cylindrical outer skin, this is equipped with two flaps that can be pivoted open about a pivot axis running parallel to the longitudinal axis, allowing access to a cargo hold.

[0008] US 7 438 264 B2 shows and describes a device for capturing, maintaining and de-orbiting satellites using a robot.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved reusable payload module which has improved controllability during re-entry through the Earth's atmosphere without adversely affecting the ascent phase into space, and to provide a corresponding upper stage of a space rocket.

[0010] The part of the problem directed at the payload is solved with the features of patent claim 1.

[0011] A reusable payload module as an upper stage (12) or as the front part of an upper stage of a space rocket is provided with a fairing which, when the payload module is closed, surrounds a payload receiving space and forms an outer shell of a fuselage of the payload module. The fairing is designed to be rotationally symmetrical to a payload module longitudinal axis which runs coaxially with or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the space rocket, wherein the fairing forming the outer shell has at least two surface sections which can each be pivoted outwards about a pivot axis. According to the invention, such a payload module is characterized in that the fairing forming the outer shell has a polygonal cross-section which is designed to be rotationally symmetrical to a payload module longitudinal axis which runs coaxially with or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the space rocket.

[0012] Due to the rotationally symmetrical design of the payload module, no or only minimal lateral loads are exerted on the rocket during ascent of the space rocket carrying the payload module, i.e., when the outwardly pivoting wing sections are folded. Furthermore, such a payload module can be adapted and integrated into conventional, cylindrical space transporters without major modifications.

[0013] The invention also improves the range of the payload module after re-entry, thus creating the possibility of an extended or even dedicated landing site selection. The payload module, forming an upper stage, can have at least its own propulsion system. This allows the payload module to be propelled by means of the independent propulsion system—in addition to control impulses from smaller control thrusters.

[0014] Further preferred and advantageous design features of the payload module according to the invention are the subject of subclaims 2 to 8.

[0015] Preferably, the respective pivot axis or a dominant directional vector of the respective pivot axis is aligned in the direction of the payload module's longitudinal axis or parallel to it. However, the respective pivot axis can also be inclined to the payload module's longitudinal axis.

[0016] It is further advantageous if the pivotable surface sections and preferably also their pivot axes are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outwardly pivotable surface sections form parts of the fairing in a non-pivoted state or they rest against it, wherein they preferably help determine the rotationally symmetrical outer contour of the fairing and wherein the outwardly pivotable surface sections extend laterally away from the fuselage in a pivoted state and each form a wing and / or a control surface of the payload module. For the return of such a payload module, the side fairing parts formed by the outwardly pivotable surface sections can be unfolded, transforming the payload module into a lift-generating space glider that can fly back to its destination using appropriate control. The wings can be used as wings and / or control surfaces.

[0018] It is advantageous if the respective wing, in the swung-out state, assumes a V-shaped, preferably mirror-symmetrical, position with the adjacent section of the fuselage, with the pointed edge of the V running parallel to the payload module's longitudinal axis or at least having a dominant directional component aligned parallel to the payload module's longitudinal axis, preferably forming a mirror-symmetrical configuration. This design combines a rotationally symmetrical shape of the payload module in the folded state of the wings, preferably with a mirror-symmetrical configuration, with effective lift properties in the unfolded state of the wings.

[0019] Also advantageous is an embodiment of the invention that can be combined with other embodiments and in which the respective wing, in particular of a respective pair of wings, is designed at least in part as an aerodynamic wing with lift characteristics or as an aerodynamic control surface. Such pivotable wings designed in the form of aerodynamic lift profiles significantly improve the flight characteristics of the payload module in the atmosphere upon return to Earth.

[0020] Also advantageous is a variant of the payload module according to the invention that can be combined with other embodiments, in which the outer shell surrounds an inner shell of the payload module, and wherein outwardly pivoting flaps of the inner shell are provided within the outwardly pivoting surface sections of the outer shell, which, when opened, provide access to the payload receiving space. This ensures that the payload compartment remains closed even during the re-entry and return phases, regardless of the position of the outwardly pivoting surface sections, for example, the wings.

[0021] It is also particularly advantageous if the polygonal cross-section of the outer skin is pentagonal. Other polygonal cross-sections with an even or odd number of corners are also encompassed by the invention. This allows for an optimal combination of the properties of freedom from lateral forces during the ascent phase and the development of lift during re-entry into the atmosphere and the return to Earth. The corners of the respective polygon are preferably rounded so that there are no pronounced edges. Furthermore, the polygon in question can also be distorted, for example, flattened, pinned, or compressed; the edges of the polygon can be of different lengths.

[0022] The part of the problem directed at the upper stage of a space rocket is solved with the features of claim 9.

[0023] Such an upper stage is formed by a reusable payload module according to one of the preceding claims or has, in addition to an upper stage drive section with at least one upper stage drive, a reusable payload module according to the invention.

[0024] The part of the problem directed at the space rocket is solved with the features of claim 10.

[0025] Such a space rocket is equipped with a lower propulsion stage and at least one additional rocket stage forming a rocket fuselage. It is characterized by the fact that a reusable payload module according to the invention is provided as an upper rocket stage or as part of a rocket upper stage in a forward region of an upper stage of the space rocket facing away from the propulsion stage. This space rocket offers the advantages already described during launch and ascent into space and is lightweight due to the absence of a fairing for the payload module.

[0026] Preferably, the payload module forms a front part of the upper stage.

[0027] The core of the invention is thus a rotationally symmetrical design of the rocket upper stage formed by a payload module, which can be converted into a winged return glider by means of foldable fairing sections. Preferably, the outer contour of the payload module in cross-section resembles a polygon rather than the usual circle. This means that, on the one hand, no lateral loads are exerted on the rocket during ascent when the outwardly pivoting surface sections are folded in. On the other hand, the outwardly pivoting surface sections can be unfolded for the return, transforming the payload module into a lift-generating space glider that can fly back to its destination with appropriate control. Furthermore, unfolding increases the cross-sectional area, which significantly reduces the thermal and pressure loads during re-entry compared to a capsule.

[0028] A key advantage of the invention is that it defines a payload module and thus also a space rocket that can adopt the optimal shape for the various mission and flight phases, thus combining the advantages of the two predominant configurations—capsules on the one hand and winged vehicles on the other—while minimizing their respective disadvantages. Furthermore, the repeating, rotationally symmetrical geometry allows a heat shield required for reentry to be constructed from repeating elements, reducing complexity and thus also costs.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention with additional design details and further advantages are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] It shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a space rocket with an upper stage formed by a payload module; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a first variant of a payload module in a launch configuration; Fig. 3 a front view of the payload module Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the payload module Fig. 2 in a re-entry configuration; Fig. 5 a front view of the payload module Fig. 4; Fig. 6 a perspective view of the payload module Fig. 2 in a loading / unloading configuration and Fig. 7 a front view of the payload module Fig. 6. PRESENTATION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a space rocket 1 with a lower propulsion stage 10 having engines 11 and an upper stage 12. A cylindrical body 13 of the lower propulsion stage 10 forms a rocket fuselage 14 with a tank section for holding rocket propellant. The upper stage 12 is formed by a reusable payload module 2 and a separate upper stage propulsion section 15 with an upper stage engine 16. The reusable payload module 2 is provided in the forward region 12A of the upper stage 12.

[0032] The upper stage 12 and the lower propulsion stage 10 are connected to each other via an adapter 17. For the re-entry of the payload module 2, the upper stage is separated from the rocket fuselage at this point. The payload module 2 is formed from a fuselage 29, the outer shell 20 of which also forms the outer skin of the payload module 2. The payload module 2 is therefore not—as is otherwise the case in the prior art—enclosed by a casing formed by an additional outer skin, the payload fairing, extending from the propulsion section 10. A payload receiving compartment 21 is provided inside the payload module 2. For this purpose, an inner shell 22 of the payload module 2 is arranged within the outer shell 20, which in turn surrounds the payload receiving compartment 21.

[0033] The payload module 2 has a pentagonal cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the payload module longitudinal axis X N , with the payload module longitudinal axis X Nin the example shown with the longitudinal axis X R the space rocket is coaxial. The payload module 2 is thus rotated around the payload module's longitudinal axis X N designed with rotational symmetry, as for example in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0034] The Fig. Figures 2 to 7 show the payload module 2 with a pentagonal cross-section in different views and operating states. Fig. Figure 2 shows the payload module 2 in a perspective view obliquely from the front without the propulsion stage of the space rocket 1, as it floats in space, for example, detached from the launch vehicle. The propulsion section 15 of the upper stage 12 is shown only schematically for the sake of simplicity. Fig. 3 shows the payload module 2 in this state from the front.

[0035] The cladding 20A of the payload module 2 forming an outer shell 20 has two surface sections 23, 24, each of which is bent by a plane parallel to the payload module longitudinal axis X N aligned swivel axis X 23 , X 24 can be pivoted outwards in the opposite direction, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In this outwardly pivoted position, the two surface sections 23, 24 protrude obliquely outwards on opposite longitudinal sides of the payload module 2 and form wings 25, 26 of the payload module 2. In the pivoted-out state, the respective wing 25, 26 assumes a V-shaped position with the adjacent section 29A, 29B of the fuselage 29. The pointed edge of the V runs parallel to the payload module's longitudinal axis X. N or has at least one dominant directional component parallel to the payload module longitudinal axis X Nis aligned. However, the wings 25, 26 formed by the surface sections 23, 24 may also have a different cross-sectional contour, in particular if the polygonal cross-section of the payload module is different from the pentagon shown.

[0036] The wings 25, 26, each provided with a high-temperature-resistant surface, such as heat-shielding tiles, on their undersides 25A, 26A, serve to decelerate and stabilize the flight attitude of the payload module 2 during re-entry into an atmosphere, such as the Earth's atmosphere. During the subsequent return flight to the Earth's surface (or the surface of another planet) within the atmosphere, the wings 25, 26 serve as aerodynamic wings. Additional pairs of wings can also be provided for control and stabilization.

[0037] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show the payload module 2 in a state in which it is, for example, floating in space and is prepared to deposit or pick up a payload (not shown). For this purpose, the wings 25, 26 are in their outwardly pivoted position, and two flaps 27, 28 associated with the inner shell 22, which can be pivoted outward in opposite directions to each other, provide access to the payload receiving compartment 21 in this open state, as shown in Fig. 6. The outwardly pivoting flaps 27, 28 of the inner shell 22 are arranged within the outwardly pivoting surface sections 23, 24 of the outer shell 20 with respect to the payload module 2, so that the payload receiving space 21 is accessible from the outside through the open surface sections 23, 24 of the outer shell 20 and the open flaps 27, 28 of the inner shell 22. Upon re-entry of the payload module 2 into the atmosphere and during the return flight to the Earth's surface (or to the surface of another planet), the flaps 27, 28 of the inner shell 22 are closed, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is shown.

[0038] The payload module 2 shown in the figures has a polygonal cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the payload module longitudinal axis X N which rotates around the payload module longitudinal axis X NIt is designed to be rotationally symmetrical. Due to its rotational symmetry, this cross-section reduces the occurrence of lateral forces during the launch of Space Rocket 1 within the atmosphere.

[0039] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, which merely serve to generally explain the core concept of the invention. Within the scope of protection, the device according to the invention may also take on embodiments other than those described above. In particular, the device may have features that represent a combination of the respective individual features of the claims.

[0040] Reference symbols in the claims, the description and the drawings serve only to improve the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. List of reference symbols 1 space rocket 2 payload module 10 lower drive stage 11 engine(s) 12 upper secondary school 12A front area of ​​12 13 cylindrical body (with tank section) 14 rocket fuselage 15 Drive section 16 Upper stage drive 17 Rocket Fuselage Payload Module Adapter 20 outer shell 20A payload module cover 21 Payload compartment 22 inner shell 23 Area section 24 area section 25 wings 25A wing underside 26 wings 26A wing underside 27 flap 28 flap 29 Payload module hull 29A Section of 29 29B Section of 29 X N Payload module longitudinal axis X R Longitudinal axis X 23 Swivel axis X 24 Swivel axis

Claims

[1] Reusable payload module (2) as an upper stage (12) or as a forward part of an upper stage (12) of a space rocket (1) with a fairing (20A) surrounding a payload receiving space (21) and forming an outer shell (20) of a fuselage (29) of the payload module (2) when the payload module (2) is closed, wherein the fairing (20A) forming the outer shell (20) has at least two surface sections (23, 24) which are pivoted about an axis (X) 23 , X 24 ) can be swivelled outwards, characterized by , that the outer shell (20) forming the cladding (20A) has a polygonal cross-section which is rotationally symmetric to a payload module longitudinal axis (X) N ) is designed which is coaxial with or parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) R ) of the space rocket (1) runs. [2] Payload module according to claim 1, characterized by , that the respective pivot axis (X) 23 , X 24) or a dominant direction vector of the respective pivot axis (X) 23 , X 24 ) parallel to the payload module longitudinal axis (X N ) is aligned. [3] Payload module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the outwardly pivotable surface sections (23, 24) and preferably also their pivot axes (X) 23 , X 24 ) are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner relative to each other. [4] Payload module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the outwardly pivoting surface sections (23, 24) are, in a non-pivoted state, parts of the cladding (20A) or abut it and preferably help determine the rotationally symmetrical outer contour of the cladding (20A) and that the outwardly pivoting surface sections (23, 24) extend laterally away from the fuselage (29) of the payload module (2) in a pivoted state and each form a wing (25, 26) and / or a control surface of the payload module (2). [5] Payload module according to claim 4, characterized by , that the respective wing (25, 26) in the swung-out state assumes a V-shaped, preferably mirror-symmetrical, position with the adjacent section (29A, 29B) of the fuselage (29), wherein the pointed edge of the V is parallel to the payload module longitudinal axis (X) N ) runs or at least has a dominant directional component that is parallel to the payload module longitudinal axis (X) N ) is aligned. [6] Payload module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the respective pair of wings (25, 26) is designed at least in part as aerodynamic airfoils or as aerodynamic control surfaces with lift properties. [7] Payload module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the outer shell (20) surrounds an inner shell (22) of the payload module (2) and that within the outward pivoting surface sections (23, 24) of the outer shell (20) outward pivoting flaps (27, 28) of the inner shell (22) are provided which, when open, provide access to the payload receiving space (21). [8] Payload module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the polygonal cross-section of the cladding (20A) forming the outer shell (20) is pentagonal. [9] Upper stage of a space rocket (1), characterized by that the upper stage (12) is formed by a reusable payload module (2) according to one of the preceding claims or comprises a reusable payload module (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Space rocket (1) with a lower propulsion stage (10), characterized by, that in a forward region (12A) of an upper stage (12) of the space rocket (1) facing away from the propulsion stage (10) a reusable payload module (2) according to one of the preceding claims is provided as a rocket upper stage (12) or as part of a rocket upper stage (12), wherein the payload module (2) preferably forms a forward part of the upper stage (12).

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