A system, method, and apparatus for a vented launch vehicle adaptor (LVA) for a manned spacecraft with a “pusher” launch abort system are disclosed. The disclosed LVA provides a structural interface between a commercial crew vehicle (CCV) crew module/service module (CM/SM) spacecraft and an expendable launch vehicle. The LVA provides structural attachment of the module to the launch vehicle. It also provides a means to control the exhaust plume from a pusher-type launch abort system that is integrated into the module. In case of an on-pad or ascent abort, which requires the module to jettison away from the launch vehicle, the launch abort system exhaust plume must be safely directed away from critical and dangerous portions of the launch vehicle in order to achieve a safe and successful jettison.

An electrodeless plasma thruster with close ring-shaped gas discharge chamber (1,10) can include a gas discharge chamber (1,10) close ring shaped in fluid communication with a propellant storage system (10,70). An antenna (3,30) can be positioned on the exterior of the gas discharge tube (1,10). A guide tube (2,20) can be coupled with the gas discharge chamber (1,10) at a first end and have a second open end. A magnetic system (7,50) can be positioned on the second end of the guide tube (2,20). The magnetic system (7,50) can be electrically coupled with a power supply. The power supply can be electrically coupled with a power converter (11,80) and a control module (12,90).

A spacecraft reaction control system comprising: a spacecraft having a center of mass; a length of tether extending from said spacecraft and offset from said spacecraft's center of mass and means for controllably changing said extension of said offset such that a variable force is exerted upon said spacecraft by said tether, said force being offset from said center of mass.

A rocket-powered space launch system comprises both a vehicle segment with an integrally designed propulsion subsystem and a supporting ground facility segment. Elements of a propulsion unit as easily accessed for removal and replacement of individual components. Said launch system is highly reusable, operable, and facilitates governmental agency regulatory compliant safety of occupants and public without passenger escape function and/or commanded vehicle destruction.

A modular, multi-crew life support system and a method of assembling the system involve a fan to draw in ambient air. The system includes one or more assemblies that produce conditioned air from the ambient air, and a housing to support an oxygen source. The system also includes a port configured as an inlet from the oxygen source to augment the conditioned air, and a duct to disperse a result of augmenting the conditioned air as output air to support two or more occupants of an enclosure.

A rocket-powered space launch system comprises both a vehicle segment with an integrally designed propulsion subsystem and a supporting ground facility segment. Elements of a propulsion unit as easily accessed for removal and replacement of individual components. Said launch system is highly reusable, operable, and facilitates governmental agency regulatory compliant safety of occupants and public without passenger escape function and/or commanded vehicle destruction.

A seat system for use in a crew escape system of a space transport vehicle comprises a seat having a backrest with a supporting surface. The seat is configured to be installed in a cabin area of the crew escape system so it can rotate about a first axis between a first position where the seat faces a first direction, and a second position where faces a second direction that is opposed to the first direction. The seat system further comprises a control unit configured to control a rotation of the seat at least between the first position and the second position in dependence on at least one signal which is indicative of a trajectory of the crew escape system.

A system, method, and apparatus for a vented launch vehicle adaptor (LVA) for a manned spacecraft with a pusher launch abort system are disclosed. The disclosed LVA provides a structural interface between a commercial crew vehicle (CCV) crew module/service module (CM/SM) spacecraft and an expendable launch vehicle. The LVA provides structural attachment of the module to the launch vehicle. It also provides a means to control the exhaust plume from a pusher-type launch abort system that is integrated into the module. In case of an on-pad or ascent abort, which requires the module to jettison away from the launch vehicle, the launch abort system exhaust plume must be safely directed away from critical and dangerous portions of the launch vehicle in order to achieve a safe and successful jettison.

An electrodeless plasma thruster with closed-ring-shaped gas discharge chamber (1, 10) can include a gas discharge chamber (1, 10) closed-ring-shaped in fluid communication with a propellant storage system (10, 70). An antenna (3, 30) can be positioned on the exterior of the gas discharge tube (1, 10). A guide tube (2, 20) can be coupled with the gas discharge chamber (1, 10) at a first end and have a second open end. A magnetic system (7, 50) can be positioned on the second end of the guide tube (2, 20). The magnetic system (7, 50) can be electrically coupled with a power supply. The power supply can be electrically coupled with a power converter (11, 80) and a control module.

A system for emergency crew return and down-mass orbit comprising a stowable, self-contained, deployable maneuvering reentry vehicle for automated, on-demand reentry to ground for cargo of 1-10 kilograms or up to single or multiple human use for evacuation of orbital facilities. The system includes a deployable aeroshell that is contiguous (a single geometric objectsurface or hollow shapethat can morph in 3D shape), modular (a collection of modular components externally acting as a contiguous shape, but morphed in 3D via actuators contained in each modular member to create a general asymmetric geometry), or discontiguous (a collection of independently controlled surfaces or bodies that morph to form desirable asymmetric drag configurations). The system contains traditional spacecraft guidance, navigation and control, propulsion, and attitude control elements, in addition to communications, power, and actuator energetics systems for controlling the vehicle aeroshell shape during reentry, thus, minimizing the landing footprint of the vehicle.