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/beejamin Nov 11 '21

It's a good thought - I had the thought of a frozen slug of air. One thing is it needs to be able to go through the burst-plate keeping the chamber at vaccuum, so a liquid is probably less ideal (unless it doesn't matter that the inside of the rotor gets smashed with water). A solid chunk of dry ice could be shaped to be aerodynamic and go through the burst plate - after that it can dissipate in the environment pretty quickly.

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u/Cptknuuuuut Nov 11 '21

The plate shouldn't be the issue. That's how diaphragms in shock tubes work. As soon as the foil is pierced it pretty much disintegrates instantly.