In a chaotic and sometimes depressing world, there are stories like these that make me think we're gonna make it.
(source-https://satellitenewsnetwork.com/)
I heard about this company called Spinlaunch the other day. Spinlaunch is building a suborbital accelerating catapult to send payloads into space. This not only cuts down on the cost versus using a conventional rocket launch, but also the time it takes to launch.
Here is the process. Spinlaunch takes a payload onboard their projectile rocket, puts it in a vacuum chamber, spins it at a ridiculous speed, then lets it go! Many of us will remember doing shit like that as a child in one way or another, WHEEEE!! As it reaches a certain height the small rocket on board takes over and further's the payload into orbit. It's so damn cool, but how long will it operate before Elon comes along with something better, like the long dreampt about space elevator!
Spinlaunch has only built a 1/3 scale working prototype. In testing their projectile reaches Mach 1 vs. the Mach 6, 4,446mph, the full model will achieve. It was not clear if they have achieved orbit with that prototype, but I don't think so due to the size of the projectile rocket. They need to achieve a higher velocity to reach the point the rocket can take over and get into orbit.
Here is a longer video from an engineer's perspective. It's a great watch to deeply understand the process and the engineering. The "Turbo Molecular Pumps" were awesome! Have a watch.
One thing that comes out of this, even if it isn't a huge success is the technology & engineering shown in the above video. On their website they are offering to sell some of the tech already. It's awesome that people are continually pushing the limits, advancing our species.
As you know I'm not a scientist, but I do quite a bit of engineering with designing and building kitchens, arches, ceilings, etc. out of wood. So this type of stuff fascinates me. I hope you enjoyed it too. Unitl next time, thanks for reading!
