SPACECRAFT Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: rocketry and space engineering; transfer of payload from initial orbit to high-energy orbit. SUBSTANCE: engine plant includes coaxial oxidizer and fuel tanks; at least one of them is toroidal in form. Axis of engine plant is shifted relative to center of mass of payload. Intake device of toroidal tank is fitted on section of tank bottom located at maximum distance from center of mass of payload. This shift (L) of axis of engine plant is equal to L = (0,02-0,08)•h•M_sc/M_pl, where h is distance from center of mass of spacecraft to plane of oscillation axes of engine in gimbal mounted corresponding to end of flight of spacecraft; M_sc is mass of spacecraft at end of flight; M_pl is mass of playload. Set of equipment of engine plant may be shifted from axis of engine plant towards center of mass of payload. EFFECT: reduction of propellant residue in toroidal tank in active leg of flight. 2 cl, 2 dwg