The next step for all of mankind

The best patented invention is part of a system that, overall, solves some major problems that the worlds best space scientists and engineers have spent over fifty years trying to solve.

That is to design a low-cost reusable sub-orbital launch system with tolerance to failure.

The major patent on SpaceShipOne was for the rocket motor. The motor is partially reusable and forms part of the vehicle’s fuselage, reducing construction and fuel costs. It uses solid fuel (rubber) and a liquid oxidiser (nitrous oxide), does not require complex pumps and does not output environmentally damaging exhaust gases. The fuel and oxidiser cannot ignite without a high temperature so catastrophic accidental activation is unlikely. Fuel handling is safe and simplified.

SpaceShipOne is part of a system that can do two things no other space launch system has ever done before. The first is to provide a low-cost and reliable conventional aircraft boost to the limit of jet-engine capabilities – which means the second-stage engine can be smaller. This was NASA’s original proposal for the Space Shuttle, turned down by Congress on grounds of cost.

The second is to devise a fault-tolerant re-entry system that side-steps the problem of frictional heating on re-entry.

SpaceShipOne’s successor is likely to be the vehicle the competition winner flies on. Despite that this entrant assures you I expect SpaceShipOne to remain far and away the best invention the world has seen. At least until someone invents a cure for cancer or finds a way to eradicate poverty.

Submitted by: John Thomas