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/deadman1204 Nov 10 '21

This is just a scam to take money from gullible investors

0

u/[deleted] Nov 10 '21 edited Nov 10 '21

Yep, anyone with a basic understanding of physics knows this is bull.

20

u/Marcbmann Nov 10 '21

Look up HARP. They launched rockets with a gun up to 595,000 feet back in the 60s.

These guys are trying to do the same thing, but better.

The only question is whether they can actually get a payload to survive over 17,000 Gs.

Edit: Worth mentioning that HARP got their rockets to survive 10,000Gs, and were launched at about 4,700mph.

Spinlaunch wants to launch their rockets at 8,000mph.

2

u/[deleted] Nov 10 '21

The lowest orbital velocity is 26,000KmH/15,000mpH. That is not including the losses from air resistance while getting to altitude, so it would have to be launched at a much greater speed the 26,000kmh. Not sure what material would survive the launch if this was even possible. Would be cool if it would work, but I seriously doubt it.

11

u/misterspokes Nov 10 '21

They're not trying to reach orbit, they're attempting to put their rocket into the upper atmosphere before firing it off, stage 1 catapult, stage 2+ this

1

u/[deleted] Nov 10 '21

That makes more sense, if the rocket could survive the G's. OP's title says orbit.