Category: kinetic space launch systems

Kinetic Space Launch

With Emphasis on SpinLaunch 

William M. Gutman
Introduction 

Kinetic space launch refers to a launch in which the vehicle is imparted very high initial velocity and leaves the launch apparatus at maximum speed. The vehicle, at least initially, is a simple projectile.

Centrifugal accelerator built by SpinLaunch at NM Space Port.

The highest velocity occurs at exit where atmospheric pressure is highest. Therefore

      • The dynamic pressure on the vehicle is highest.
      • Atmospheric drag is highest.
      • Aero-thermal effects are highest.

Currently, no one pursuing kinetic launch systems expects to reach orbit directly with a kinetic system.  Rather, a second stage rocket will be used to attain the final increment of orbital speed.  Companies do, however, expect to exceed the Karman Line.  The Karman Line is the most commonly used definition of the threshold of space.  It is 100 km Continue reading “Kinetic Space Launch”