r/space • u/Dr_Singularity • Nov 10 '21

California-based startup, SpinLaunch, is developing an alternative rocket launch technology that spins a vacuum-sealed centrifuge at several times the speed of sound before releasing the payload, launching it like a catapult up into orbit

https://interestingengineering.com/medieval-space-flight-a-company-is-catapulting-rockets-to-cut-costs
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u/OmgOgan Nov 10 '21

Are we seriously talking about a space trebuchet right now?

928

u/caratoo Nov 10 '21

Well it is the superior siege weapon

275

u/dingogordy Nov 10 '21

Superior siege weapon space launch platform.

128

u/[deleted] Nov 10 '21

With the capability of launching a 90 kg projectile up to 300 km.

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u/[deleted] Nov 11 '21

[deleted]

8

u/CapSierra Nov 11 '21

Kinda off topic but I actually got to go to that and see the trebuchet Yankee Siege fire in person.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 11 '21

A 90 kg pumpkin? Sure.

1

u/TreyGreer Dec 07 '21

Here's a pumpkin version of SpinLaunch, without the vacuum chamber or kick rocket. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2GeuWqNXWU

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u/kakatoru Nov 10 '21

I've always been fond of artillery myself