Launch vehicles with ring-shaped external elements, and associated systems and methods

摘要

Launch vehicles with ring-shaped external elements, and associated systems and methods. A representative aerospace system includes a launch vehicle having a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end, with the launch vehicle being elongated along a vehicle axis extending between the first and second ends, and having an external, outwardly facing surface. The system can further include an annular element carried by the launch vehicle, the annular element having an external, inwardly-facing surface radially spaced apart from, and extending at least partially circumferentially around, the vehicle axis. The annular element can have a first edge surface facing a first direction along the vehicle axis, and a second edge surface facing a second direction along the vehicle axis, the second direction being opposite the first direction. A propulsion system can be carried by the launch vehicle, and can have at least one nozzle positioned toward the first end of the vehicle to launch the vehicle. A controller can be in communication with the launch vehicle and programmed to direct the vehicle in the first direction during vehicle ascent, and in the second direction during vehicle descent.

主权项

1. An aerospace system, comprising:
a launch vehicle having a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end, the launch vehicle being elongated along a vehicle axis extending between the first end and the second end and having an external, outwardly facing surface; an annular element fixedly attached to the launch vehicle, the annular element having an external, inwardly facing surface radially spaced apart from, and extending at least partially circumferentially around, the vehicle axis, the annular element having a first edge surface facing a first direction along the vehicle axis and a second edge surface facing a second direction along the vehicle axis, the second direction being opposite the first direction; a propulsion system directly attached to the launch vehicle and having at least one nozzle positioned toward the first end of the launch vehicle to launch the launch vehicle; and a controller in communication with the launch vehicle and programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct the launch vehicle in the first direction during vehicle ascent, and direct the launch vehicle in the second direction during vehicle descent.