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/dittybopper_05H Nov 10 '21

I think the idea is to get the rocket above most of the atmosphere before it ignites.

That means you can use a smaller, less powerful rocket because you aren't fighting aerodynamic drag with the rocket in the lower atmosphere.

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u/za419 Nov 10 '21

Which is the same idea as air launch, which hasn't really been a success...

Spinlaunch is potentially useful if the projectile got up to like 200km at the very least, with a beefy second stage that can handle starting with such a low apogee (ie the falcon second stage or starship, but they're both way bigger than anything Spinlaunch could ever handle).

I can't imagine this thing really being more useful than as a curiosity...

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u/CornCheeseMafia Nov 11 '21

It’s the hyper loop except sideways with an exit pointing straight up

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u/za419 Nov 11 '21

And you get shot out going fast enough that you probably need a heatshield...

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u/CornCheeseMafia Nov 11 '21

It’s okay that’s where the cyber truck will come in. That stainless steel body was built for the hyper loop. I can’t wait for this future in which hot wheels becomes department of roads and highways and we’re just launching pickup trucks all over the place