US 11,708,181 B2
Methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion systems
James J. Peterka, III, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (US); Glenn N. Caplin, Manhattan Beach, CA (US); and Richard W. Aston, Brea, CA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Jun. 16, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/903,017.
Application 16/903,017 is a continuation of application No. 16/127,973, filed on Sep. 11, 2018, granted, now 10,689,132.
Application 16/127,973 is a continuation of application No. 15/477,923, filed on Apr. 3, 2017, granted, now 10,543,938, issued on Jan. 28, 2020.
Application 15/477,923 is a continuation of application No. 14/828,462, filed on Aug. 17, 2015, granted, now 9,643,739, issued on May 9, 2017.
Application 14/828,462 is a continuation of application No. 13/693,694, filed on Dec. 4, 2012, granted, now 9,180,984, issued on Nov. 10, 2015.
Application 13/693,694 is a continuation in part of application No. 13/652,101, filed on Oct. 15, 2012, granted, now 8,973,873, issued on Mar. 10, 2015.
Application 13/652,101 is a continuation in part of application No. 13/604,050, filed on Sep. 5, 2012, granted, now 8,915,472, issued on Dec. 23, 2014.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/646,222, filed on May 11, 2012.
Prior Publication US 2020/0331638 A1, Oct. 22, 2020
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B64G 1/40 (2006.01); B64G 1/24 (2006.01); B64G 1/00 (2006.01); B64G 1/26 (2006.01); B64G 1/64 (2006.01); B64G 1/10 (2006.01); B64G 1/28 (2006.01); B64G 1/36 (2006.01); B64G 1/42 (2006.01); B64G 1/44 (2006.01); B64G 1/50 (2006.01)
CPC B64G 1/242 (2013.01) [B64G 1/002 (2013.01); B64G 1/007 (2013.01); B64G 1/10 (2013.01); B64G 1/26 (2013.01); B64G 1/40 (2013.01); B64G 1/402 (2013.01); B64G 1/405 (2013.01); B64G 1/641 (2013.01); B64G 1/283 (2013.01); B64G 1/361 (2013.01); B64G 1/363 (2013.01); B64G 1/365 (2013.01); B64G 1/422 (2013.01); B64G 1/428 (2013.01); B64G 1/44 (2013.01); B64G 1/503 (2013.01); B64G 2001/643 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A launch vehicle, comprising:
a first space vehicle including a first core structure and a first electric propulsion system, the first space vehicle further including a tank having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end coupled to the first space vehicle via a first pivotable mount, the second end coupled to the first space vehicle via a second pivotable mount; 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.