Space transportation system

Abstract

The invention presents a new concept of spacecraft vehicle design and method of utilization in space flight operations. The system examines the major elements of launch, to orbit flight and return format. The system relies heavily on current space flight technology. Two spacecraft vehicles are utilized in conjunction to achieve Earth orbit. The vehicles are launched simultaneously in a joined configuration. Reaching approximately half distance to orbit, the vehicles separate with the booster vehicle returning to land and the transport vehicle continuing to Earth orbit. Terminating orbit space flight, the transport vehicle reenters the atmosphere returning to land. The details of spacecraft construction and space flight operations are complex and will not be discussed.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An airframe design, including engine location, designated the Autonomous Return Booster (ARB) Vehicle which may be powered by rocket engines for space flight or turbojet engines for conventional flight.  
     
     
         2 . An airframe design, including engine location, designated the Astronaut Crew Transport (ACT) Vehicle which may be powered by rocket engines for space flight or turbojet engines for conventional flight.  
     
     
         3 . A space transportation system comprised of the ARB vehicle and the ACT vehicle which are launched in a joined configuration and then separate approximately half distance to Earth orbit with the ARB vehicle returning to a landing location and the ACT vehicle continuing to Earth orbit.