Patent ID: 7523892
Filing Date: 2009-04-28
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
1. A method of transport to earth orbit and interplanetary space utilizing at least one in-flight refueling boom-pipe/tow structure which extends laterally from connection with at least one fuel tanker aircraft having a means of propulsion out to a releasable connection with at least one space launch vehicle; comprising the steps of: a) pulling said boom-pipe/tow structure to an altitude suitable for the launching operation by means of the propulsion systems of said fuel tanker aircraft and a plurality of other tow aircraft, each having a means of propulsion; b) fashioning said boom pipe/tow structure in a manner that said boom pipe/tow structure itself will supply some of the aerodynamic lift and propulsion necessary to ascend and remain at altitude sufficient for launch operations of the space vehicle; c) providing said fuel tanker aircraft with a plurality of tank capable of simultaneously carrying various fuels for propulsion and dispensing such fuels through suitable devices without cross contamination as known to a person skilled in the art; d) manufacturing some fuels in-flight within said fuel tanker aircraft by means of devices as known to a person skilled in the art; e) attaching said plurality of other tow aircraft through suitable tow lines to at least one tow trolley which possesses one degree of freedom to move along the said f) boom-pipe/tow structure, said tow trolley having at least one device as known to a person skilled in the art for creating aerodynamic lift in a manner that assists in control of the boom-pipe/tow structure and said tow trolley having at least one device for propulsion; and g) the step of reaching an altitude and positioning suitable for the launch operation, said launch operation consisting of the principle known to a person skilled in the art by which a spinning tether may accelerate a load, in the present invention said space vehicle, comprising the steps of: (I) spinning said boom-pipe/tow structure to accelerate said load; (II) turning at least one said other tow aircraft in the direction that said fuel tanker aircraft is turning to cause said tow trolley to move in said direction; (III) moving said tow trolley laterally towards initial said fuel tanker aircraft to accelerate said load; (IV) firing of all rocket motors that are not already providing thrust to accelerate said load; (V) running all air breathing engines integral to one or more devices used in said method to accelerate said load; (VI) deploying at least one parachute directly behind at least one attachment point of the boom-pipe/tow structure to said fuel tanker airplane to accelerate said load; (VII) reflexing of the boom-pipe/tow structure from a condition of being flexed by the deployment of said parachute to accelerate said load; (VIII) launching of said space vehicle by means of at least one suitable release mechanism to separate at least one connection between said boom-pipe/tow structure and said space vehicle at the desired release point; (IX) recoiling of said boom pipe/tow line to be brought back under control by the deployment of an additional plurality of parachute as known to a person skilled in the art and by moving said tow trolley laterally away from said fuel tanker; (X) recovering from aerodynamic stall and repositioning of said fuel tanker aircraft, at least one tow trolley, and at least one additional tow aircraft; and (XI) flying after sufficient control is regained over the combined system of said devices with airplane-like functionality and utility to a suitable surface of the Earth for landing.