Modular Payload Container for Earth Re-Entry

With forces spread around the globe, the rapid logistics response to deliver cargo is becoming more important. Traditional cargo transportation using aircraft or marine vessels cannot fill the gap of supplies needed within an immediate timeframe. Rocket delivery through space is an option, however, launch vehicles are typically not designed for the reentry environment and if they are, the cargo capacity and location of delivery is limited. A new logistics approach is required to deliver time sensitive cargo at a moment’s notice. Technology currently being developed at Inversion Space Company provides the opportunity to fill the gap between multiple-hour delivery and delivery under 55 minutes anywhere on Earth. Inversion was founded with the mission to make space a new transportation layer. This principal goal helps provide DOD with the opportunity to leverage Inversion’s technology for rapid delivery of cargo anywhere on Earth in under 55 minutes. Since Inversion’s inception in 2021, new technologies have been developed to accommodate rapid reentry from space. The fundamentals of a sub-scale reentry vehicle have been developed. This system is called Arc. Arc’s cargo capabilities range in size as the vehicle is scaled to end user needs. A key element of Arc is the cargo bay and cargo container. Cargo ContainersInversion is developing a scalable, standardized cargo container that can store items from rations and medical supplies to reconnaissance drones, munitions, and sensors. Inversion’s concept is to create a container that can receive cargo with minimal input from the end user, package according to predetermined cargo mounting guidelines, and deliver in a rapid timeframe. Standard cargo mass capabilities range from 0.5-tons to 30 tons. Inversion is developing the cargo container as a stand-alone system, independent of the launch or reentry vehicle.The standardized containers are designed after military transport containers using durable materials such as rugged polypropylene to reduce cost & weight and allow a greater cargo capacity. Inversion’s containers are powered by using pre-charged batteries (for shorter missions or point-to-point) or interfacing with the launch or reentry vehicle to charge onboard batteries in orbit. On the ground, the container is powered by deploying solar panels on the ground. This allows contents to stay powered or environmentally controlled if not needed immediately.