By Bob Walsh
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.
2 comments:
Neat. (USA)
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.
Post a Comment