Payload launch system and method

摘要

A payload launch system includes a launch tube, payload, rocket tube, pressurized motor assembly, and control system. The motor assembly has a launch actuator and an accumulator housing containing compressed gas. The accumulator housing defines a vent opening having a closure. The control system transmits an actuation signal to the actuator in response to a launch request signal to open the closure and cause a discharge of pressure into the launch tube. This causes the rocket tube to launch from the launch tube to a threshold altitude in a single gaseous thrust phase. A method includes deploying a launch system, transmitting a launch actuation signal to the launch actuator via a control system, and opening a closure to allow compressed gas to enter the launch tube, thereby launching the rocket tube from the launch tube to a threshold altitude in the single gaseous thrust phase.

主权项

1. A payload launch system comprising:
a cylindrical outer launch tube having a longitudinal axis; a payload; a rocket tube containing the payload, wherein the rocket tube is contained within the outer launch tube; a pressurized motor assembly held stationary within the outer launch tube, wherein the pressurized motor assembly includes a launch actuator and an accumulator housing containing a volume of compressed gas and defining a vent opening having a closure; and a control system in communication with the launch actuator; wherein the control system is configured to transmit a launch actuation signal to the launch actuator in response to a launch signal to thereby open the closure of the vent opening and thereby cause a discharge of the compressed gas from the actuator housing into the outer launch tube, thereby translating the rocket tube along the longitudinal axis and launching the rocket tube from the outer launch tube in a single gaseous thrust phase, such that the pressurized motor assembly remains in the outer launch tube after launch of the rocket tube.