An aircraft is capable of passing from the aerial domain to the spatial domain and method for automatically adapting the configuration of same. An additional breathable gas supply is provided to be activated only during a flight phase during which aerobic propulsion is interrupted, and is capable of supplying the control system of the manned cabin environment instead of the system associated with the aerobic propulsion means.

An aircraft is capable of passing from the aerial domain to the spatial domain and method for automatically adapting the configuration of same. An additional breathable gas supply is provided to be activated only during a flight phase during which aerobic propulsion is interrupted, and is capable of supplying the control system of the manned cabin environment instead of the system associated with the aerobic propulsion means.

This invention is pioneering a Strategic Trans-orbital Carrier (herein called a carrier’) which merges the technologies attributes of a plurality commercial jet engines with a plurality reusable rocket engines to provide capabilities permitting a smooth computer-controlled transition from terrestrial air space to insertion into and thru low earth orbit (LEO) and into high geostationary earth orbit (GEO). A carrier would return back to terrestrial air space with carrying approximately 60 tons of any type of customers' defined cargo and passengers which would include intermodal container modules, complete DoD military strategic devices; heavy industrial outfitting apparatuses; building components for infrastructure complexes; personnel and robots; and space defensive materials to an in-situ space complex. With a fleet of carriers', a routine commercial services becomes available that are built to and guided by FAA flight regulations using specific airport with runways greater than 8,000 feet and that can handle a carriers weight.

This invention is pioneering a Strategic Trans-orbital Carrier (herein called a carrier’) which merges the technologies attributes of a plurality commercial jet engines with a plurality reusable rocket engines to provide capabilities permitting a smooth computer-controlled transition from terrestrial air space to insertion into and thru low earth orbit (LEO) and into high geostationary earth orbit (GEO). A carrier would return back to terrestrial air space with carrying approximately 60 tons of any type of customers' defined cargo and passengers which would include intermodal container modules, complete DoD military strategic devices; heavy industrial outfitting apparatuses; building components for infrastructure complexes; personnel and robots; and space defensive materials to an in-situ space complex. With a fleet of carriers', a routine commercial services becomes available that are built to and guided by FAA flight regulations using specific airport with runways greater than 8,000 feet and that can handle a carriers weight.

A method for building an aerodynamic structure, an aerodynamic structure, and a vehicle that includes the aerodynamic structure are provided. The method includes providing a structure with at least one substantially-flat exterior surface. The method also includes attaching blocks of rigid fibrous insulation to the at least one substantially-flat outer surface of the structure. Outward-facing surfaces of the blocks of rigid fibrous insulation extend past a target outer mold line of a final aerodynamic shape. The method also includes machining the outward-facing surfaces of the attached blocks to the outer mold line.

A method for building an aerodynamic structure, an aerodynamic structure, and a vehicle that includes the aerodynamic structure are provided. The method includes providing a structure with at least one substantially-flat exterior surface. The method also includes attaching blocks of rigid fibrous insulation to the at least one substantially-flat outer surface of the structure. Outward-facing surfaces of the blocks of rigid fibrous insulation extend past a target outer mold line of a final aerodynamic shape. The method also includes machining the outward-facing surfaces of the attached blocks to the outer mold line.

A system for launching aerospace payloads includes a wingless, unmanned modified lifting body spacecraft (100), with a payload compartment in the forward section of the spacecraft. The spacecraft is propelled by hybrid rockets clustered in the aft section of the spacecraft. Reaction control system (RCS) modules control the flight path and its associated avionics hardware and software. This system also includes a carrier aircraft (200) configured to air-launch the spacecraft. The carrier aircraft includes a flight operations control system, which monitors the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls launch and flight operations of the spacecraft. A ground-based mission control system monitors and controls the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls the launch and flight operations of the spacecraft.

A system for launching aerospace payloads includes a wingless, unmanned modified lifting body spacecraft (100), with a payload compartment in the forward section of the spacecraft. The spacecraft is propelled by hybrid rockets clustered in the aft section of the spacecraft. Reaction control system (RCS) modules control the flight path and its associated avionics hardware and software. This system also includes a carrier aircraft (200) configured to air-launch the spacecraft. The carrier aircraft includes a flight operations control system, which monitors the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls launch and flight operations of the spacecraft. A ground-based mission control system monitors and controls the spacecraft's payload and monitors and controls the launch and flight operations of the spacecraft.

A space relevator adapted to transition an object between a stationary compartment and a rotating module rotating in a first direction, the relevator comprising: a relevator module comprising a plurality of substantially solid pie-shaped structures separated by a plurality of pie-shaped compartments all positioned around a central axis; a relevator central shaft extending along the central axis; the relevator module being adapted to receive a rotate signal and a stop signal, one or more of the pie-shaped compartments comprising an entry between the stationary compartment and the rotating module when the relevator module receives a stop signal and after the relevator module receives a rotate signal.

A space relevator adapted to transition an object between a stationary compartment and a rotating module rotating in a first direction, the relevator comprising: a relevator module comprising a plurality of substantially solid pie-shaped structures separated by a plurality of pie-shaped compartments all positioned around a central axis; a relevator central shaft extending along the central axis; the relevator module being adapted to receive a rotate signal and a stop signal, one or more of the pie-shaped compartments comprising an entry between the stationary compartment and the rotating module when the relevator module receives a stop signal and after the relevator module receives a rotate signal.