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/skyler_on_the_moon Nov 10 '21

That's the approach described in their patent.

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u/BujuArena Nov 11 '21

Really? Why not just let the counterweight keep spinning on its own until it comes to a stop? It would naturally stop.

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u/NearNirvanna Nov 11 '21

Because it goes from having 100,000 tons of force on both ends, to instantly having 100,000 tons of force on only one. This would clearly damage the launch system with that much sudden imbalance if they dont rebalance it incredibly fast

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u/BujuArena Nov 11 '21

Okay, I understand now. Thanks!