{
  "patent_number": "US 11708181",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Boeing Stacks Electric Space Vehicles for Launch",
  "original_title": "Methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion systems",
  "summary": "A design for a launch vehicle that carries two space vehicles stacked on top of each other, both using electric propulsion systems for movement in space.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a specific way to stack two spacecraft inside a launch vehicle. Each spacecraft has its own electric propulsion system and a core structure. The system uses pivotable mounts to hold propellant tanks, which helps manage the structural loads during the intense vibrations and forces of a rocket launch. By stacking them, the design allows the upper vehicle to transmit launch forces through the lower vehicle's structure, ensuring both survive the trip to orbit.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover chemical rocket engines used for the initial launch phase.",
    "Does not cover non-electric propulsion systems like traditional liquid fuel combustion engines.",
    "Does not cover spacecraft that are not stacked in a releasable configuration.",
    "Does not cover single-stage spacecraft designs without a secondary stacked vehicle."
  ],
  "filed": "2020-06-16",
  "granted": "2023-07-25",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Boeing Co",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/boeing-co",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "James J. Peterka, III",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/james-j-peterka-iii"
    },
    {
      "name": "Glenn N. Caplin",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/glenn-n-caplin"
    },
    {
      "name": "Richard W. Aston",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/richard-w-aston"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 2,
  "tags": [
    "aerospace",
    "mechanical"
  ],
  "abstract": "Methods and apparatus to methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion system are disclosed. An example launch vehicle includes a first space vehicle including a first core structure and a first electric propulsion system, and a second space vehicle including a second core structure and a second electric propulsion system, the second core structure releasably attached to the first space vehicle in a stacked configuration.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11708181/mechazilla-catch-tower",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11708181/mechazilla-catch-tower/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US11708181",
  "relatedPatents": []
}