Patent ID: 8534598
Filing Date: 2013-09-17
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
1. A method of travelling to far space, the method comprising the steps of: launching a space vehicle comprising a booster and a reusable propulsive upper stage rigidly attached to the booster; separating the upper stage from the booster so that immediately upon separation from the booster the upper stage continues in the same direction as the booster; activating upper stage propulsion within the atmosphere; the upper stage performing direct flight from ignition within the atmosphere; and the upper stage re-entering Earth's atmosphere from far space; the upper stage having a sufficiently high hypersonic lift to drag ratio to enable said upper stage to remain at high altitude long enough to dissipate thermal energy until it decelerates to Low Earth Orbit velocity; wherein the upper stage does not enter or exit Low Earth Orbit during ascent to far space.