Earth-to-orbit railgun launcher

Abstract

An overview of a comprehensive study of the feasibility of launching relatively small payloads into orbit using electromagnetic launcher technology is provided. The specific question addressed was whether serious consideration should be given to hypervelocity gun launch to space as an alternative to conventional rocket powered launch vehicles. An overview of the concept developed is provided along with a discussion of the major subsystems. The above question is answered in the affirmative, because the mission can readily be accomplished using state-of-the-art technology; a considerable cost savings is offered with respect to conventional rocket launch systems; and a revolutionary launch frequency, comfortably placing six payloads in orbit each day, is possible, which greatly increases operation flexibility.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>