LaunchPoint Technologies Inc. is proposing a cheaper way of launching satellites into earth orbit. The Launch Ring as they call it uses a maglev sled and a circular track to accelerate 1000Kg payloads into space. This approach is expected to be about 80% cheaper than the current (rocket based) costs of about $4000/lb.
It’s still in the thinking-about-it stage.
Seems more do-able than the ginormous country-sized StarTram launch system or the probably-unrealistic Space Elevator.
The Launch Ring – Circular EM Accelerators for Low Cost Orbital Launch – American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 21 September 2006
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This reminds me of how they launch spaceships in Gundam SEED.
I wonder where they want to put these Launch Rings.
The StarTram and Space Elevator were exciting concepts, though.