Re:Why Bezos’ rocket is unprecedented–and worth taking serio...
by Animats on Tuesday September 13, 2016 @02:15PM
(#12490850)
It's not impossible. After all, a "space gun" reached 117 miles in altitude in 1967.[1] A small satellite launcher is probably possible, especially with a rocket upper stage.
In recent years, military work on electromagnetic launchers and weapons has increased substantially. The US Navy has a railgun in test, and plans to mount it on a ship (probably the USS Zumwalt) next year. The new generation of carriers use electromagnetic catapults. Many of the components thus already exist.
The acceleration in a gun-type launch would be huge. All the acceleration has to take place in the length of the gun or track. Hardware, yes; humans, no. Think in terms of bulk launching of small satellites for mobile/Internet access.
In recent years, military work on electromagnetic launchers and weapons has increased substantially. The US Navy has a railgun in test, and plans to mount it on a ship (probably the USS Zumwalt) next year. The new generation of carriers use electromagnetic catapults. Many of the components thus already exist.
The acceleration in a gun-type launch would be huge. All the acceleration has to take place in the length of the gun or track. Hardware, yes; humans, no. Think in terms of bulk launching of small satellites for mobile/Internet access.
[1] http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/project-harp-space-gun-ba...