摘要 |
A re-entry vehicle that includes three detachable modular components which anticipate total re-useability. Modularization of the composite re-entry vehicle offers great flexibility in re-arranging the various modules to suit a particular mission. The three module components include a crew module, principally serving as a crew cabin, and attached thereto is a modular heat shield or re-entry module which principally provides for thermal protection of the cabin module during re-entry. Propulsion for the cabin module to achieve a particular re-entry orbit is provided by a versatile service stage which becomes detached from the other two modules upon attainment of a desired re-entry trajectory. When used in conjunction with a Space Station, the versatile service stage may be propelled back to the Space Station for refueling and re-use.
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