Although it may sound like something out of a sci-fi film, an alternative rocket launch mechanism that launches spacecraft into orbit could become a reality.
SpinLaunch, the California-based start-up behind the idea, successfully completed a test flight of its prototype suborbital accelerator last month after loading a projectile into it and blasting it to space.
The rocket is attached to the giant rotating arm of a vacuum-sealed centrifuge, and it spins at many times the speed that sound.
After it is launched, the vehicle shoots toward space. The ultimate plan is for the launch vehicle to return to Earth.
The kinetic energy-powered technology is seen as an environmentally-friendly alternative to fuel-based rockets, although no details of its cost have been revealed.
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SpinLaunch, a California-based startup has developed an alternative rocket launch platform (pictured). It is designed to propel spacecraft into orbit. After loading a projectile into the prototype suborbital acceleration and blasting it into orbit, it completed its first flight.
It works by attaching the rocket to a rotating arm in a centrifuge vacuum sealed with a seal and spinning it at several hundred times the speed that sound.
After it is launched, the vehicle shoots into space. The ultimate goal of the mission is to bring the orbital rocket vehicle back to Earth in order to re-use it.
SpinLaunch vehicles can also carry more payloads because they require less fuel storage space.
To lift them off the ground, traditional rockets require a huge booster. Because of this large mass, most fuel is consumed at liftoff.
SpinLaunch CEO Jonathan Yaney stated that the company’s strategy aims to turn the “rocket equation” on its head. This would dramatically reduce both the rocket’s size and cost.
CNBC spoke with him, stating that it was a radical new way to launch projectiles at hypersonic speeds by using ground-based systems.
“This is about building an organization and a launch system for space that will enter the commercial market with high performance and at a low cost.
It is hoped that its orbital vehicle can eventually carry approximately 440lbs (220kg) of payload into orbit. This would allow for the transport of a variety of small satellites.
On October 22, a suborbital accelerator was used to test the system. It is only one-third the size that SpinLaunch intended.
The company states that it must be 165 feet tall to prove its technology.
According to the company, its orbital vehicle will eventually carry approximately 440lbs of payload. This image is a cutaway from an artist’s illustration.
On October 22, a suborbital acceleration (pictured) was tested and it worked. This version is exactly what SpinLaunch intended.
It stands at 165 feet, which is taller than Liberty’s Statue of Liberty. This is also the exact size that the company needs to prove its technology.
The projectile, which measured 10 feet in length, was quickly accelerated at thousands of miles per hour using a rotating arm. It was then released for launch “in less than one millisecond” (photo).
Yaney stated that testing has so far eliminated approximately 90% of the system’s risks. His company is now working on the design for its full-scale accelerator.
The projectile, which measured 10 feet in length, was quickly accelerated at thousands of miles per hour using a rotating arm. It was then released for launch “in less than one millisecond”.
For the first suborbital flight, about 20% of accelerator power was used. It reached an altitude of approximately 6000 feet. Yaney advised that altitude testing should be done at an elevation of “tens to thousands of feet.”
SpinLaunch plans to install a rocket engine in the future, but this vehicle did not include one.
Spaceport America, New Mexico will host around 30 of these trials.
But, this will not be the long-term home of the company’s launch program.
Yaney stated that it is close to agreement on a “coastal location” site capable of supporting “dozens of launches per hour”.
SpinLaunch was founded by Yaney in 2014 and has raised $110 million (£81 million) to date from investors including Google Ventures, Airbus Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Lauder Partners and McKinley Capital.
Scientists and engineers from around the globe are continuing to work on space exploration projects that will make it more cost-effective and sustainably.
SpinLaunch did not use a rocket engine, however, the vehicle was used. SpinLaunch will add one to future tests.
SpinLaunch has reached an agreement to locate a site at a “coastal area” for its system. (Photo: Artist’s impression).
SpinLaunch vehicles can also carry more payloads because they require less storage space to store rocket fuel.
Spaceport America, New Mexico will host around 30 trials.
The kinetic energy-powered technology is seen as an environmentally-friendly alternative to fuel-based rockets. Here is an artist’s impression of SpinLaunch’s satellite in space
What is known as “Scotland”? The world’s greenest rocket is in construction.
The Orbex Prime runs on biofuel, producing as much as 96% less carbon dioxide than vehicles powered by fossil fuels. It is also designed to be reuseable and leave no debris in the oceans and atmosphere.
When it’s finished, the plan is to launch Prime by late 2022 from Space Hub Sutherland, the £17.9 million carbon-neutral spaceport being built in the Scottish Highlands.
Orbex, a UK-based company that designs and tests spaceflight, has its headquarters in Scotland and production and testing facilities there.