A representative spacecraft system includes a launch vehicle elongated along a launch vehicle axis and having at least one stage carrying a corresponding rocket engine. The representative system further includes an annular support structure carried by the at least one stage and positioned to support a cargo spacecraft having a service module and a cargo module. The cargo module of the cargo spacecraft is positioned along the launch vehicle axis in a direction distal from the support structure, and at least a portion of the service module of the cargo spacecraft positioned within an annulus of the support structure.

Berthing systems for visiting spacecraft and associated methods. In one embodiment, a non-sealing berthing system includes a tunnel having an interface surface that mates with a docking system of a target spacecraft. The berthing system further includes sliding hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface of the tunnel, preload members disposed circumferentially at the interface surface of the tunnel and configured to extend and retract from the interface surface in an axial direction, guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel, and soft capture petals spaced around the inner peripheral surface of the tunnel. The soft capture petals include capture latches configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system of the target spacecraft.

Berthing systems for visiting spacecraft and associated methods. In one embodiment, a berthing system includes a tunnel having an interface surface that defines a hard capture mating plane for mating with a docking system of a target spacecraft. The berthing system further includes hooks disposed circumferentially on the interface surface, one or more pressure seals disposed on the interface surface, spring-loaded guide petals spaced around an inner peripheral surface of the tunnel that are configured to independently slide in the axial direction, and capture latches spaced around the inner peripheral surface that are configured to engage mechanical latch strikers on the docking system.

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.

Space vehicles with paraglider re-entry, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a re-useable space vehicle, a collapsible, deployable and re-stowable re-entry heat shield carried by the space vehicle, and a collapsible, deployable and re-stowable flexible paraglider wing also carried by the space vehicle. The space vehicle can accordingly carry out repeated space-based missions, and can be refurbished and replenished on Earth and/or at an orbiting dock between missions.

A representative spacecraft system includes a launch vehicle elongated along a launch vehicle axis and having at least one stage carrying a corresponding rocket engine. The representative system further includes an annular support structure carried by the at least one stage and positioned to support a cargo spacecraft having a service module and a cargo module. The cargo module of the cargo spacecraft is positioned along the launch vehicle axis in a direction distal from the support structure, and at least a portion of the service module of the cargo spacecraft positioned within an annulus of the support structure

A method is used for simulating a gravity acting on an object in space. The method comprises inducing a magnetic moment in the object via generation of an external magnetic field in an environment of the object. A device is used for generating a force acting on an object. The device comprises a magnetic device for generating an external magnetic field in an environment of the object and therefore for inducing a magnetic moment in the object. The magnetic device has at least two elements, which can be moved relative to one another for setting the external magnetic field.

A method is used for simulating a gravity acting on an object in space. The method comprises inducing a magnetic moment in the object via generation of an external magnetic field in an environment of the object. A device is used for generating a force acting on an object. The device comprises a magnetic device for generating an external magnetic field in an environment of the object and therefore for inducing a magnetic moment in the object. The magnetic device has at least two elements, which can be moved relative to one another for setting the external magnetic field.

A habitation module that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the habitation module includes a stationary structure including a hub having a plurality of portals spaced radially around an outer cylindrical surface of the hub, and a rotating structure that attaches to the outer cylindrical surface of the hub using rotatable attachment members to rotate about an axis in relation to the hub. The rotating structure includes a platform that attaches to the rotatable attachment members and is configured to revolve around the outer cylindrical surface of the hub on the rotatable attachment members. The rotating structure also includes a gravity chamber that attaches to the platform, and projects radially from the axis. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the rotating structure about the axis in relation to the hub to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.

A habitation module that provides an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, the habitation module includes a stationary structure including a hub having a plurality of portals spaced radially around an outer cylindrical surface of the hub, and a rotating structure that attaches to the outer cylindrical surface of the hub using rotatable attachment members to rotate about an axis in relation to the hub. The rotating structure includes a platform that attaches to the rotatable attachment members and is configured to revolve around the outer cylindrical surface of the hub on the rotatable attachment members. The rotating structure also includes a gravity chamber that attaches to the platform, and projects radially from the axis. A drive mechanism is configured to rotate the rotating structure about the axis in relation to the hub to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber.