Three-Ring Space Logistics: Balloon, Catcher Drone, and Orbital Cargo Vehicle Replacing Rocket's First Stage

This project proposes a novel space logistics paradigm that replaces the traditional rocket first stage with a three-layered system combining balloons, a catcher drone, and an orbital cargo vehicle. Lower ring (15–40 km): Balloons and light lifting devices raise cargo into the stratosphere almost cost-free. Middle ring (40–120 km): A drone or plane launches from the balloon, intercepts the orbital cargo vehicle, and transfers cargo without requiring the orbital vehicle to brake. Upper ring (120+ km): An orbital platform, assembled from space debris, lunar, or asteroid materials, redistributes cargo to the Moon and Mars. This platform operates autonomously for years, dramatically reducing launch costs and risks. The key innovation is the "catcher drone" — a lightweight, maneuverable vehicle that performs cargo transfers to the orbital vehicle, saving fuel and allowing multiple reusable cycles. Results: Near-zero cost launch from Earth to space, Launch cost reduction by 10 to 1000 times, High scalability and autonomy, Suitable for lunar and Martian logistics infrastructure. Email: [email protected] Rion Vale