SpinLaunch raises $40M to build a machine to catapult objects into space

Re:SpinLaunch raises $40M to build a machine to catapult obj... by kuprel on Friday June 15, 2018 @02:05PM (#17322040)

Is it possible they spin the rocket in place then convert the rotation energy to linear with fins on the body acting as a propeller?

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Re:SpinLaunch raises $40M to build a machine to catapult obj... by kuprel on Friday June 15, 2018 @04:36PM (#17323330)

So just a quick calculation:

Assuming that the rocket has moment of inertia similar to a hollow cylinder with radius 1ft, conversion from rotation energy to linear is perfect, and final linear velocity is 5000 mph, the rocket would have to be spinning at

1/2 * I * w^2 = 1/2 * m * v^2

1/2 * (m * r^2) * w^2 = 1/2 * m * v^2

w = v / r = 7333 rad/s ~ 70,000 rpm

Maybe the payload of the rocket could be connected to the body of the rocket with magnetic bearings so that it isn't spinning, i.e. not experiencing the massive accelerations.

[ Parent | on HN ]