Mark Megahan
Instead of re-inventing the wheel, NASA decided to re-invent the sling shot. The latest new gizmo to fling satellites into space uses what the experts are calling “whirl ‘n’ hurl” launch technology. They set up a one-third scale SpinLaunch working model in the New Mexico desert and the first test was a complete success.
Revolutionary SpinLaunch technology
The technology behind SpinLaunch is literally “revolutionary.” They use a special vacuum centrifuge to whirl the rocket shaped launch vehicle up to supersonic speed before hurling it into space.
The California based company wanted to come up with a “green alternative to fuel-based launches.” It’s not clear how much electrical power is required for the “kinetic” launch system but their electric bill is probably enormous.
They start by hooking a “reusable rocket to a giant rotating arm in an electric vacuum-sealed centrifuge and spinning it at several times the speed of sound.”
At just the right split instant, the “rocket is then released and shoots to space to release payloads such as satellites into low-Earth orbit.” The great news, SpinLaunch promises, is “it can then return to Earth to be reused for further launches.”
To test the concept, the SpinLaunch team set up camp at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The mock-up stands 165 feet tall, just beating the Statue of Liberty’s 150 feet.
Once the test runs are all wrapped up, if all goes well the full size version will be set up in a coastal U.S. location. The mini-model can’t quite hit orbital altitudes but the suborbital accelerator works like a dream, so far.
First NASA payload
SpinLaunch already has a date to “fly the first NASA payload on a developmental test flight later this year, which will include post-flight recovery of payload back to NASA.” The two groups are working together closely. As of now, the first orbital test launches are planned for 2025. For now, the team is “offering a unique suborbital flight and high-speed testing service.” Co-founder Jonathan Yaney calls the recent launch agreement with NASA “a key inflection point.”
The CEO points out that “what started as an innovative idea to make space more accessible has materialized into a technically mature and game-changing approach to launch.”
Everyone was holding their breath on the day of the big test but all the hardware and software performed flawlessly, matching all the predictions of the design theory. They broke out the Champaign because now they can open a sales office and start recovering some of the R&D investment.
“We look forward to announcing more partners and customers soon, and greatly appreciate NASA’s continued interest and support in SpinLaunch.”
On the video, the machine appears to almost effortlessly spin “a launch vehicle containing a satellite up to 5,000 miles per hour.” The secret is the “rotating carbon-fiber-arm within a 300-foot diameter steel vacuum chamber.” It doesn’t take long at all for the projectile to reach Mach 6.5 in a circle.
It eliminates “over 70 per cent of the fuel and structures that make up a typical rocket.” The ultimate SpinLaunch orbital vehicle is expected to fling a whopping 440lbs of payload to orbit. That means “a number of small satellites” can be deployed all at once.
