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:
Dec. 23, 2014
Filed:
Sep. 05, 2012
Richard W. Aston, Brea, CA (US);
Anna M. Tomzynska, Seal Beach, CA (US);
Glenn N. Caplin, Manhattan Beach, CA (US);
Richard W. Aston, Brea, CA (US);
Anna M. Tomzynska, Seal Beach, CA (US);
Glenn N. Caplin, Manhattan Beach, CA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A multiple space vehicle launch system that may be adapted to be disposed within a payload region of a launch vehicle fairing. The launch system may include a first space vehicle, a second space vehicle releasably attached to the first space vehicle and oriented relative to the first space vehicle such that, when placed within the fairing, a launch load of the first space vehicle is transmitted to and borne by the second space vehicle. In certain embodiments, the first and second space vehicles each may include one of an electrical propulsion unit and a hybrid chemical and electrical propulsion unit. Use of electrical or hybrid chemical and electrical propulsion units enables the second space vehicle to bear all or a significant portion of the launch load of the first space vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for additional support structure.