Patent ID: 8727264
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: B64D,B64G

Abstract:
1. A method of launching a payload into orbit above a body, the method comprising: mounting a booster rocket connected to the payload to a towed launch aircraft; towing the towed launch aircraft with a towing aircraft via a tow line to a predetermined elevation; executing a first maneuver that increases a lift of the towed launch aircraft to increase a flight path angle of the towed launch aircraft to approximately 25 degrees above horizontal, wherein a tension on the tow line increases substantially, resulting in an acceleration of the towed launch aircraft along a flight path of the towed launch aircraft that increases a kinetic energy of the towed launch aircraft and a deceleration of the towing aircraft that decreases the kinetic energy of the towing aircraft, and wherein the increase in lift of the towed launch aircraft causes an increase in potential energy of the towed launch aircraft, whereby both a kinetic energy and a potential energy of the booster rocket are increased to improve a launch condition of the booster rocket; decoupling the booster rocket and the payload from the towed launch aircraft to end the first maneuver; and igniting the booster rocket to deliver the payload to an orbital distance from the body.