Electromagnetic Earth-to-space launch

The authors review several of the previous electromagnetic and electrothermal launch concepts and discuss the critical related technologies which are essential for the development of practical Earth-to-space launch systems. Selected missions and their requirements are discussed. Launcher concepts are briefly examined, and specific examples are given to demonstrate significant recent progress in hypervelocity atmospheric transit and hardening of launch vehicle components to withstand higher launch accelerators by several orders of magnitude. It is noted that these recent advances have significant impact on the payload which can be placed in orbit and have a major influence on the onboard propulsion requirements for orbit insertion. Based on technical achievements in all the critical supporting technologies, it is concluded that it is now feasible to demonstrate a credible electromagnet Earth-to-space launch system