Maglev Launch and the Next Race to Space

A new approach for greatly reducing the unit cost to launch payloads into space is described. The approach, termed Maglev launch, magnetically levitates and accelerates space craft to orbital type speeds in evacuated tunnels at ground level, using superconducting Maglev technology similar to that already operating for high speed passenger in Japan. Two Maglev launch systems are described. The near term Gen-1 Maglev launch system would accelerate heavy cargo craft (-40 tons) to 8 km/sec using electrical energy at a unit energy cost of only 50 cents per kilogram. No propellants would be required. After achieving orbital speed the Gen-1 cargo craft would exit into the atmosphere at a high altitude point (> 4000 meters) on the surface, and climb through the atmosphere to orbit. The aerodynamic deceleration and heating loads during the ascent through the atmosphere appear acceptable. A single Gen-1 facility could launch over 100,000 tons annually at a unit launch cost of less than $50 per kg of payload, compared to present costs of $10,000 per kg. The longer term Gen-2 system would launch human passengers as well as cargo. To reduce the aerodynamic deceleration and heating loads on the Gen-2 spacecraft, it would transition into a magnetically levitated evacuated launch tube conveying it to a high altitude (-20 km) where the very low atmospheric density would not cause substantial deceleration and heating. A Gen-1 system could be operational within the next 10 years with aggressive funding, and a Gen-2 system within the next 20 to 30 years. Major applications include space solar power satellites for beaming power to Earth and a greatly expanded space exploration program.