EML‑Core Mk I

[Masik]

Project Title: Orbital Arc – Modular Electromagnetic Launcher for Unmanned Spacecraft

Abstract: The "Orbital Arc" project is a highly modular, non-piloted electromagnetic propulsion system designed to accelerate unmanned spacecraft to extremely high speeds (up to 0.65% the speed of light). Constructed from multiple magnetic rings, each spaced more than 10 km apart, this system aims to drastically reduce interplanetary travel time—particularly between Earth and Mars—while maintaining safety, repeatability, and scalability.


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1. Core Concept: The system consists of 10 or more massive electromagnetic rings arranged in space, each with an internal diameter of at least 10 meters. These rings generate powerful electromagnetic fields to attract, accelerate, and eject spacecraft with controlled precision. The rings are spaced far enough apart to allow timing and sequencing control, prevent magnetic interference, and allow for adaptive velocity management.

2. Purpose and Application:

Primary goal: Fast delivery of unmanned payloads (probes, satellites, supply capsules) to Mars and beyond.

Secondary goal: Serve as a testbed for future manned-compatible versions.


3. Construction and Deployment:

Rings are launched into space preassembled or modularly (as four segments per ring).

Automated assembly controlled remotely from Earth.

External modules (with solar panels and small nuclear reactors) are docked nearby for power supply and maintenance.


4. Power Supply:

Each ring has:

Internal retractable solar panels

External auxiliary modules with nuclear power and solar backup


Energy accumulation period: ~1 year for full charge across all rings


5. Operation Sequence:

1. Spacecraft is injected into the first ring at initial velocity (e.g., 3rd cosmic speed).


2. Magnetic field pulls spacecraft in, then pushes it out with boosted momentum.


3. Each subsequent ring synchronizes timing and magnetic polarity for optimized acceleration.


4. Redundant timing systems ensure backup triggers if one ring fails.



6. Energy Distribution and Management:

Each ring receives approx. 112,500 MJ (for ~0.65% light speed total acceleration).

Energy stored gradually and safely.

Excess charge diverted to auxiliary stations.


7. Deceleration and Safety:

Deceleration occurs via onboard ion thrusters.

Final rings can optionally reverse polarity for additional braking.

Future landing mechanisms include gas/ion shielding and controlled deceleration thrusters.


8. System Safety and Redundancy:

Multi-layer shielding from micro-meteorites (like anti-RPG tank nets)

Electromagnetic shielding and anti-induction circuits

Laser-guided alignment and position tracking

Independent AI-assisted monitoring and emergency override protocols


9. Cooling and Heat Dissipation:

Rings feature sealed internal coolant pipes with nitrogen or water-based systems.

Thermal sensors activate emergency cooling if critical thresholds are met.


10. Synchronization and Trajectory Correction:

Laser synchronization between rings

Electromagnetic correction fields

External laser or beacon indicators for spacecraft alignment


11. Maintenance and Lifecycle:

Designed for ~20 launches per ring (30–40 years estimated lifespan)

Maintenance via autonomous drones or manned missions if required

Replaceable core modules and superconducting coils


12. Future Applications:

Deep space launches (interstellar probes)

Modular assembly in Mars orbit

Piloted variants with adaptive G-force buffering systems


Conclusion: The Orbital Arc proposes a clean, reusable, and highly efficient way to drastically reduce travel time for scientific missions within the Solar System. With a clear pathway for scaling to larger c
rewed missions, this project could fundamentally reshape humanity’s capacity to explore and settle nearby planets.
Author: Maksim Klochenko, 18 years old, originally from Ukrain, is now in Germany, wants people who have an engineering education to say honestly what he didn't take into account
The author is self-taught, don't judge strictly

 

[billslugg]

This is a possible method. One thing not taken into consideration is the conservation of momentum. If large masses are sent to Mars, other large masses must be sent in the other direction. The rings would move backwards by an equal amount of momentum.

 

[Masik]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply! You're absolutely right — conservation of momentum is a really important aspect I’ve been thinking about.

To deal with this, I’ve come up with the idea of adding small electric thrusters (maybe ion or electromagnetic ones) to each of the rings or their support systems. These would automatically activate during each launch to balance out the momentum and help keep the entire structure stable in place.

Since they would be powered by electricity — from solar panels and onboard nuclear reactors — there’s no need to rely on fuel, which makes the system more sustainable.

Also, the rings are equipped with laser alignment and GPS-like synchronization that would allow real-time monitoring and correction if any ring slightly drifts. So the whole setup would stay accurate and secure.

I really appreciate you pointing that out — it's an important challenge, and it helped me make the system even better.

 

[Classical Motion]

We need a method of rotating the rings, and converting the recoil into slowing the rotation, instead of displacing the rings. And the same for braking.

Hayseed tinker toys.

If we could counter rotate the rings, and mutually couple them, we might achieve high mass, high velocity shipments. With high inertia rings.

And catch very large magnetic bullets. Magnetic fly paper.

 

[Masik]

We need a method of rotating the rings, and converting the recoil into slowing the rotation, instead of displacing the rings. And the same for braking.

Hayseed tinker toys.

If we could counter rotate the rings, and mutually couple them, we might achieve high mass, high velocity shipments. With high inertia rings.

And catch very large magnetic bullets. Magnetic fly paper.

Hello!
Thanks for pointing that out — it's definitely a critical topic and deserves attention.

Your idea about using rotational recoil to handle momentum is interesting. However, in my project I’ve already considered this and implemented what I believe to be a more stable solution.

Each of the rings is equipped with ion thrusters to compensate for any recoil forces that may appear during launches. These thrusters are powered by external energy sources and are programmed to maintain the ring's position and orientation in space. This eliminates the need to counter-rotate the rings or make them spin, which could actually interfere with laser-based trajectory correction and precise synchronization between rings.

Braking at relativistic speeds, especially near the destination, is indeed one of the most complex challenges. But placing deceleration rings near Mars, for instance, is extremely difficult — mainly because the incoming ship would be moving at velocities exceeding 1.4 million m/s. Even the slightest deviation in trajectory could lead to catastrophic failure. That’s why a second ring system for deceleration near the target planet is not viable in this phase of the project.

Other concerns like energy spikes, overheating, or micrometeorite damage have also been addressed through active cooling systems (using nitrogen or other agents), shielding, and automated hazard detection via small external satellites.

And regarding the momentum redistribution — again, ion engines on the rings and modules handle stabilization after every launch. It’s a straightforward solution that even a schoolkid could come up with (no offense — just a friendly jab ).

To be honest, I’ve developed this project entirely by myself. I’m 18 years old, self-taught, and I don’t have formal engineering education or access to expensive equipment or simulation labs. Yet I’ve tried to solve every problem with logic, patience, and passion. For a solo project, I think it turned out pretty solid.

I truly appreciate your feedback. It’s thanks to comments like yours that the project keeps evolving.