The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 26, 2005
Filed:
Mar. 27, 2002
Jacob B. Lopata, Santa Ana, CA (US);
Michel R. Kamel, Anaheim, CA (US);
Jacob B. Lopata, Santa Ana, CA (US);
Michel R. Kamel, Anaheim, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A low cost, on demand, dedicated launch system is provided for placing micro satellites or space-based instruments at orbital and sub-orbital altitudes and velocities. The invention describes a space launch vehicle (SLV) that incorporates a single, integrated guidance, navigation, and control unit (GNCU) that performs all guidance and control for the SLV from main stage ignition to orbital insertion. The GNCU can remain with the payload after orbital insertion to provide satellite station keeping and orbital maneuvering capability. The use of a single integrated avionics unit for all guidance, navigation, and control simplifies the SLV, reducing weight and significantly reducing cost. In addition, this architecture allows for a combined launch and satellite bus system as the GNCU can also be used as a satellite bus. This further reduces cost and increases the payload capacity to orbit by optimizing the use of launch vehicle and satellite bus subsystems and reducing non-instrument mass delivered to orbit. All support functions are provided by the IDMV. This approach represents a significant improvement over conventional systems, especially with respect to the orbital launch of payloads less than about 100 kg.