Various embodiments of space launch vehicle systems and associated methods of manufacture and use are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the systems include a reusable, horizontal takeoff/horizontal landing (HTHL), ground-assisted single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) spaceplane that is capable of providing frequent deliveries of people and/or cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In some embodiments, the spaceplane can takeoff with the aid of a rocket-powered sled that, in addition to providing additional thrust for takeoff, can also provide propellant for the spaceplane engines during the takeoff run so that the spaceplane launches with full propellant tanks.

A method for increasing the reliability and availability of a cryogenic fluid reliquefaction system is provided. It may comprise at least N sub-coolers comprising a motor and a compressor and at least one variable speed. It may comprise N−1 variable speed systems to be shared between the motors and compressors if N equals 2, or N−2 variable speed systems to be shared between the motors and compressors if N is greater than 2. It may comprise two different liquid cryogenic fluid users are provided liquid cryogenic fluid, utilizing two different main cryogenic tanks, with a common sub-cooler and recirculation loop, wherein the pressure in the two different main cryogenic tanks are controlled with pressure controllers acting on two different subcooled liquid cryogenic fluid valves. And or, it may comprise at least one liquid cryogenic fluid user is provided refrigeration from two or more sub-cooling systems in a lead-lag arrangement.

Among other things, a gas storage system includes a group of capsules and an activation element coupled to the group. The group of capsules are formed within a substrate and contain gas stored at a relatively high pressure compared to atmospheric pressure. The activation element is configured to deliver energy in an amount sufficient to cause at least one of the capsules to release stored gas.

A pressure gauge system for a tank with a variable flow rate that provides a user with an indication of how much usable time is left in a pressurized gas tank given a particular selected flow rate or operational condition and what pressure of gas is left in the tank.

A sectional inner liner of a pressure vessel comprising the sectional inner liner and an outer layer disposed around the sectional inner liner, the sectional inner liner comprising: at least two inner liner sections, wherein each inner liner section comprises an internal network structure; and at least two cap sections, wherein, the at least two cap sections and at least two inner liner sections are configured to assemble into a sectional inner liner.

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a cryogenic liquid storage tank, a first pressure tank and a second pressure tank, both connected via leads to the storage tank, at least one ejector, each of the at least one ejector being connected via leads to both pressure tanks, and a controller, the controller being configured to admit cryogenic fluid from the storage tank to the first pressure tank, to cause the cryogenic fluid to be heated to convert it into gas form, and to admit the fluid in gas form from the first pressure tank through a first ejector from among the at least one ejector, such that the fluid in gas form acts as a motive fluid to cause evacuation of the second pressure tank as it passes through the first ejector.

A method for coating a wall with a metallic surface layer, the wall including an outer wall layer formed from or including a plastic material or a fiber composite material, the method comprising: in a first step providing a wall base body formed by the outer wall layer; therafter in a second step bonding the outer wall layer to an intermediate layer formed from or including a fiber composite material to form the wall to be coated, wherein fibers of the fiber composite material of the intermediate layer include a metallic surface, wherein fibers of the fiber composite material of the intermediate layer connected to the outer wall layer include a non-metallic fiber core coated with a metal or a metal alloy; and thereafter in a third step coating the wall with the metallic surface layer on a surface of the intermediate layer facing away from the outer wall layer.

The invention provides a tank feasible for cryogenic service and a method of building the tank. The tank comprises: an inner tank, thermal insulation, and an outer shell that is airtight, wherein the thermal insulation is arranged outside the inner tank and the outer shell is arranged outside the thermal insulation, further comprising a coupling through the outer shell, wherein a vacuum pump outside the tank can be coupled for suction of air and gas from the volume between the inner pressure tank and the outer shell, and further comprising an opening from outside the tank to inside the inner tank for loading and unloading of fluid, wherein the inner tank in operation contains fluid and the volume between the inner tank and the outer shell is at vacuum. The tank is distinguished in that: the thermal insulation comprises several block elements arranged side by side on the inner tank, with a gap in between the block elements, wherein the outer shell comprises several parts that have been joined together to cover the whole outer surface of the insulation, wherein parts of the outer shell covering an insulation block element have shape matching the insulation block element shape and parts of the outer shell covering the gaps between the block elements have inward or outward oriented curved shape if seen in cross section along the respective gaps and are flexible by contracting or stretching the curved shape.

This invention relates to a method and system for improved gas delivery for regulating gas at a substantially constant delivery pressure on a consistent basis. The system includes an automated redundant pressure regulation safety feature that is specifically configured along a flow network to significantly reduce the occurrence of pressure surges due to failure of the gas to be regulated to the delivery pressure. By reducing the occurrence of pressure surges and utilizing higher pressure package gas sources, the frequency of changeouts can be lowered.

System and method for digitally monitoring a pressure vessel for holding compressed gas, wherein the system comprises a sensor unit placeable on the pressure vessel for gathering information regarding the condition of the pressure vessel, a communication unit for wirelessly communicating the gathered information to a receiver wherein the sensor unit comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the pressure vessel, a gas pressure sensor, at least one power unit for supplying power to the sensors and the communication unit.