MULTI-STAGE MODULE-TYPE LAUNCH VEHICLE Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: rocketry and space engineering; launch vehicles of medium and heavy classes with module-type stages.

SUBSTANCE: proposed launch vehicle has at least two stages mounted according to cluster arrangement. First stage may include 2 to 6 modules with similar cruise engines, similar propulsive mass and overall dimensions. Second-stage in monoblock stage with engine plant started from ground. Ratio of volume of propellant tanks of first stage to that of second stage ranges 0.4 to 0.52; total thrust of engines of first stage is 0.8-1.0 of total thrust of second stage. Single cruise engine of first stage is mounted in swinging unit and cruise engine of second stage is mounted immovably Second stage is provided with control engines. Ratio of maximum mass of payload injected into near-earth orbit (approximately 200 km) to its minimum mass (when only second stage is used) is about 6.5.

EFFECT: enhanced power efficiency.

2 cl, 4 dwg