Overview of Patent 12,698,750
The patent titled “Rocket nozzle assembly with separable nozzle extension” (Patent Number: 12,698,750) was assigned to Blue Origin Manufacturing, LLC. This invention was developed by a team of inventors consisting of Adam M. Wuerl, David Alan Degenhardt, Gary D. Grayson, and James W. Nord. The patent details a novel approach to rocket propulsion systems, specifically focusing on a variable length rocket nozzle assembly capable of safely jettisoning an outboard nozzle section during flight.
The core of this invention is a rocket nozzle assembly that features a separable outboard nozzle extension, allowing the engine to transition from a vacuum-optimized configuration to an atmospheric-optimized configuration. The assembly includes an inboard divergent nozzle section attached to a detachable outboard divergent nozzle extension via a connector, such as a clamp and strap mechanism. An actuator is utilized to release this connector, permitting the extension to separate from the main nozzle while in flight. This design is intended for use with a reusable second stage rocket, enabling it to return and land on the ground or an ocean platform without suffering engine damage caused by atmospheric pressure.
Innovation and Industry Recognition
This invention is highly innovative because it directly addresses one of the primary technical obstacles in making second stage rockets reusable. Traditionally, second stage rocket engines are designed with large nozzles optimized for the vacuum of space. If these engines are fired in the dense atmosphere near sea level, the exhaust flow separates from the nozzle walls, creating destructive vibrations that can severely damage the engine. By allowing the vacuum-optimized extension to be discarded prior to landing, the engine can safely operate in the lower atmosphere. This critical breakthrough is why the invention was awarded the patent of the month for the aviation, aerospace, and space industry for the month of September 2026. The technology paves the way for fully reusable orbital launch vehicles, which will drastically reduce the cost of subsequent space launches and increase the operational frequency of commercial and scientific space missions.
U.S. R&D Tax Credit Eligibility
The practical applications of this patent present a strong case for eligibility for the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit in the United States. To qualify, a company must satisfy the four-part test established by the IRS, which involves developing a new or improved business component, relying on the principles of hard science, eliminating technical uncertainty, and engaging in a process of experimentation. The development of a separable nozzle extension involves applied physics and aerospace engineering to model the thermodynamics and aerodynamics of the exhaust plume during the transition from a vacuum to an atmospheric environment. Additionally, designing a reliable actuator and clamp system that separates seamlessly in flight requires extensive computational fluid dynamics simulations, prototype testing, and iterative design to eliminate the risk of the extension damaging the vehicle upon release. These systematic engineering efforts to test and validate the nozzle separation mechanism under extreme thermal and aerodynamic loads align precisely with the qualifying activities required to claim the R&D tax credit.
