Reusable orbital vehicle with interchangeable cargo modules

Abstract

A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.

1 . A method of operating a reusable cargo module system, comprising:
 selecting one of a plurality of cargo modules, each of the plurality of cargo modules having a substantially cylindrical sidewall having first and second spaced apart ends, a region proximate the sidewall first end having substantially identical dimensions and configured for interchangeable attachment to an orbital vehicle (OV) having a propulsion system;   each of the plurality of cargo modules having a different exterior configuration; and   mounting the selected one of the plurality of cargo modules to the OV.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising placing the OV and the selected cargo module in orbit. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising landing the reusable OV and attached cargo module. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising docking the selected cargo module to an orbiting object using a docking mechanism coupled to the selected cargo module. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the selected cargo module includes a moveable nosecap, the method further comprising positioning the moveable nosecap from a closed position to an open position when in an environment of space, the nosecap covering the docking mechanism when in the closed position and exposing the docking mechanism to the environment of space when the nosecap is in the open position. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the selected cargo module contains a plurality of cargo containers, the method further comprising off-loading the plurality of cargo modules through an opening created by opening the moveable nosecap. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the plurality of cargo containers are removably coupled to a retention structure mounted to a moveable support platform within the selected cargo module, the method further comprising moving the support platform in a direction away from the OV to thereby move the plurality of cargo containers coupled to the retention structure through the opening created by opening the moveable nosecap. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising moving the support platform in a direction toward the OV to thereby retract the moveable support platform to a position within the selected cargo module. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cargo module contains a cargo compartment having sidewalls walls independent of the cargo module sidewalls, the method further comprising extracting the cargo compartment from the cargo module. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising coupling the cargo compartment to an orbiting object. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising leaving the extracted cargo compartment in orbit. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising reattaching the extracted cargo compartment to the cargo module prior to re-entry. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 placing the OV and selected one of the plurality of cargo modules in orbit;   landing the OV and selected one of the plurality of cargo modules;   selecting a different one of the plurality of cargo modules;   mounting the selected different one of the plurality of cargo modules to the OV; and   placing the OV and the selected different one of the plurality of cargo modules in orbit.