Patent ID: 6530543
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
A space cruiser, launchable from the earth's surface only by attachment to a separate powered launch vehicle and adapted for carrying at least one human occupant and comprising:propulsion means carried by said space cruiser for propelling said space cruiser into and in outer space, said propulsion means being the exclusive propulsion means carried by said space cruiser and having insufficient power to launch said space cruiser into outer space from the earth's surface; an enclosed cabin in at least a portion of said space cruiser; means for establishing an isolated air and temperature conditioned environment in said cabin to permit said occupant to reside and breathe therein without the assistance of a spacesuit, oxygen mask and the like; and an outer shell of said space cruiser capable of withstanding thermal shock experienced during reentry into earth's atmosphere, said shell having a sharp pointed forward nose end, an aft end and an elongated wingless and generally conical configuration and wherein said cruiser is capable of safely withstanding the thermal shock of reentry when the nose end is oriented toward the path of reentry.