Patent ID: 11926439
Assignee: ORBITAL EXPRESS LAUNCH LIMITED
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 15:
16. A multi-stage rocket, comprising a recoverable rocket stage for propelling the multi-stage rocket towards space, the recoverable rocket stage comprising:
a rocket propellant tank assembly having a generally cylindrical outer shape;
at least one engine, coupled to the rocket propellant tank assembly; and
a plurality of drag enhancing elements, wherein the plurality of drag enhancing elements form longitudinal extensions of the generally cylindrical outer shape of the rocket propellant tank assembly, jointly forming a closed ring structure, in their launch positions and wherein the plurality of drag enhancing elements are inclinable with respect to the generally cylindrical outer shape of the rocket propellant tank assembly for return of the recoverable rocket stage to earth, and
wherein the plurality of drag enhancing elements are structural connection elements between the recoverable rocket stage and a further rocket stage of the multi-stage rocket.