Low cost launch vehicle fairing

摘要

A launch vehicle includes an upper stage and an integral fairing. In a launch configuration, the integral fairing is configured to enclose, between an aft portion and a forward portion, one or more payloads. The integral fairing includes a mechanical attachment with the upper stage proximal to the aft portion, and a nose cap proximal to the forward portion and a passive venting arrangement that equalizes pressures internal and external to the integral fairing. The integral fairing is configured to permit deployment of at least one payload, while avoiding: (i) separation of the integral fairing into two or more parts, (ii) separation of the integral fairing from the upper stage, and (iii) articulation of the mechanical attachment. The upper stage may provide single stage to orbit capability.