MEANS METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LAUNCHING SPACECRAFT ON BASIS OF TOWED GLIDER Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; air launching of upper stages of spacecraft carriers. SUBSTANCE: according to invention, launching facilities include glider 1 towed by means of cable 18 with the aid of standard subsonic aircraft subsonic aircraft 19. Aerodynamic surfaces of glider ensure its take-off together with spacecraft arranged in it at speed lesser than lift-off speed of aircraft 19 from runway. For transportation and take-off run of glider, use is made of separable undercarriage support unit 17. Glider power plant is started in air launch area; glider area; glider 1 unhooked from cable 18 and is injected into space. After separation of spacecraft from glider, this glider descends and performs landing. EFFECT: simplification and low cost of launch complexes; enhanced safety of injection of spacecraft into orbit. 33 cl, 15 dwg