Monday, June 17, 2024

SATELLITES LAUNCHED INTO ORBIT WITHOUT BURNING ROCKET FUEL

 By Bob Walsh


Last month the company successfully completed a test flight after loading a projectile into its prototype suborbital accelerator (pictured) and blasting it to space

Dizzying heights: California-based start-up SpinLaunch has built an alternative rocket launch system (pictured) designed to catapult spacecraft into orbit. The system works by attaching a rocket to a giant rotating arm in a vacuum-sealed centrifuge and spinning it at several times the speed of sound. It is then released and shoots towards space before returning to Earth

California-based start-up SpinLaunch has built an alternative rocket launch system (pictured) designed to catapult spacecraft into orbit. The system works by attaching a rocket to a giant rotating arm in a vacuum-sealed centrifuge and spinning it at several times the speed of sound. It is then released and shoots towards space before returning to Earth

 


I have to admit I have never heard of SpinLaunch and I try to keep track of the interesting techno-stuff related to space.  

They are a California company.  They have developed a centrifical launcher that can throw a 200 kilo satellite into low earth orbit with what is essentially an electrically powered catapult.  They have ten successful tests under their belt.

The device uses a 108 foot long rotating arm that spins as 5,000 mph.  (No, I haven't figured out what the rpm rate is on that.)  The satellites would be traveling at mach 6 when they come flying out of the contraption.  

The company is preparing for the actual launch of an actual satellite from it's site in New Mexico.  I will try to keep you posted. 
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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:31 PM

    Neat. (USA)

    ReplyDelete
  2. bob walsh2:19 AM

    The launch generates about 10,000 Gs on the item being launched. Really. That makes for some interesting technical specifications for the equipment being launched.

    ReplyDelete