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:
Nov. 16, 2010
Filed:
Nov. 15, 2006
Barnaby S. Wainfan, Long Beach, CA (US);
Warren W. James, South Pasadena, CA (US);
Daniel H. Sokol, Burbank, CA (US);
Barnaby S. Wainfan, Long Beach, CA (US);
Warren W. James, South Pasadena, CA (US);
Daniel H. Sokol, Burbank, CA (US);
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
The process comprises the steps of: 1) launching the vehicle from the launch site using the first stage booster rocket engine system; 2) separating the at least one upper stage from the first stage booster; 3) terminating operation of the first booster stage rocket engine system; 4) turning the first stage booster back toward the launch site using the aerodynamic flight control system; 5) operating the first stage booster rocket engine system to boost the first stage booster to an altitude sufficient to allow non-powered flight back to the launch side; and 6) landing the first stage booster at the launch site.