Futuristic slingshot whips satellites to space

[dreada5]

The answer to cheaper space construction / supplies transportation? <img src="/images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /><br /><br />http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/12/22/magnetic.slingshot/index.html<br /><br /><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>As for the system's cost, its low power requirements would allow spy micro-satellites to be slung into orbit for $50,000, a small fraction of the current $5-million launch cost. <br /><br />That explains the Air Force's interest, but the system could also be a boon for space exploration. An inexpensive magnet-propelled pipeline could toss construction materials, food and other basic resources into orbit to supply tomorrow's space colonies. "You could send a block of aluminum, water or even frozen mashed potatoes," Fiske suggests -- anything durable enough to handle the stress.<br /><br />Fiske says a demonstration device could be ready in four years and will probably be located on a dry lake bed at the Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site. But future launch rings, he adds, could sit near mountain ranges or even float on the ocean.<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote>

 

[nexium]

If the launch ring is on a 10,000 foot platau and the projectile is thrown approximately vertical, 6 kilometers per second is likely enough to reach an altitude of 300 miles. The pay load then needs considerable energy to accelerate horizontally from about 1200 miles per hour to about 17,000 miles per hour. Overcoming air resistance and gravity uses up nearly all of the 6 kilometers per second. Neil

 

[rocketman5000]

posted much earlier, I believe in B&T, about this launch ring. extensive debate if I remember correctly debating the technical challenges of bringing it to production.<br /><br /><br />

 

[holmec]

First application of the Linear Synchronous Motors (LSM) like those on some roller coasters like Superman the Escape? <br /><br />I bet LSMs could be used to make a variety of catabpults from Earth based, to orbital based, to lunar based. Perhaps this is a viable way to create an infrastructure of launching cargo through space routes minimizing the fuel needed or increasing the speed needed. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#0000ff"><em>"SCE to AUX" - John Aaron, curiosity pays off</em></font></p> </div>