Michael Brian Thornton

US Patent:

6467731, Oct 22, 2002

Filed:

Mar 22, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/532587

Inventors:

Edward Nathan Harris - Denver CO
Daniel R. Morgenthaler - Littleton CO
Kenneth P. Romeo - Littleton CO
Michael A. Sasdelli - Uxbridge MA
Janine M. Thornton - Elizabeth CO
Michael G. Thornton - Elizabeth CO
William H. Willcockson - Morrison CO

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Corporation - Bethesda MD

International Classification:

B64G 162

US Classification:

244160, 244158 A

Abstract:

An integrated sample return capsule for use in returning materials to Earth from space, such as core samples from other celestial bodies and experiments from orbiting platforms. The sample return capsule incorporates thermal protection, structural integrity and impact mitigation into a single system capable of safely and securely returning the materials without requiring decelerating parachutes. In one embodiment, the integrated sample return capsule includes a forward facing heat shield and a back shell attached to the rear of the heat shield. The heat shield and the back shell define an interior enclosure. The back shell includes an access, such as a door or a removable panel, there through to the interior enclosure. Materials to be returned may be sealed in a sample containment vault, and the sealed vault may be placed into the interior enclosure through the access. An optional support deck may be provided within the interior enclosure for receiving the sample containment vault and supporting the vault within the interior enclosure.