SPACE LAUNCH AREA Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: erection of launch complexes in space (in orbit) equipped with auxiliary services. SUBSTANCE: body of complex has cylindrical guard and coaxial tunnel rigidly connected with it. Guard and tunnel made from light foldable space modules are of sectionalized construction. Body is provided with outer sectional skin for protection against detrimental effect of space and inner circular artificial gravitation drive embracing the tunnel. Complex is equipped with through launching silo with solenoids of electromagnetic launching system. launching silo is coaxial relative to tunnel and is communicated with it through sealed aperture. Communication between sections of guard and tunnel is effected through circular and radial parts of hollow load-bearing structure of body. In addition to launching objects, silo may be used for performing repairs and maintenance jobs on space vehicles which are received by means of docking device through apertures in walls of body. EFFECT: extended functional capabilities of complex; possibilities of increasing sizes and creation of artificial gravitation. 3 cl, 8 dwg