The Gen-1 Maglev Launch System for Ultra Low Cost Access to Space
- Paper number
IAC-08.D3.2.11
- Author
Dr. James Powell, StarTram, Inc., United States
- Coauthor
Dr. George Maise, StarTram, Inc., United States
- Coauthor
Dr. John Paniagua, StarTram, Inc., United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
A new approach for launching hundreds of thousands of tons of payload per year at ultra low cost is described. Gen-1 Maglev launch uses the Superconducting Maglev System, invented by Powell and Danby that now operates in Japan for high speed passenger transport. Gen-1 cargo craft are magnetically levitated and accelerated in an evacuated underground tunnel to orbital velocities, 8 km/sec. Gen-1 uses only electrical energy, not propellants. At the tunnel’s exit, the craft enters the atmosphere through an open “MHD window,” which keeps the air from entering by MHD interaction of RF-ionized air with a transverse magnetic field. The craft then coasts upwards from the surface at an angle of 10 degrees to desired orbital altitude, where a small ΔV rocket burn ( 1.0 km/sec) establishes the orbit. Depending on the launch velocity, Gen-1 can deliver payloads to LEO, MEO, GEO, or other orbits. Atmospheric entry is at an altitude of >4000 meters in elevated terrain, depending on geographic location of the Gen-1 facility. Analyses find that the ΔV loss during ascent through the atmosphere is small (< 1 km/sec) which can be compensated for by slightly increasing the launch velocity. Peak aerodynamic heating at the nose stagnation point is 25 kW/cm2, which is acceptable with transpiration or ablative cooling for the few seconds of peak heating. The electric energy cost of launch is only $0.70 per kilogram at 6 cents/kWH. A detailed design of the Gen-1 system and its technical components is presented, including the 40 ton cargo craft (35 ton payload) and its superconducting magnets, the aluminum levitation and propulsion loops in the tunnel, energy storage system, and the MHD window. Launch energy is stored in superconducting MACE (MAgnetic Cable Energy) loops along the tunnel. A small, short (1 millisecond) thermal pulse drives the superconductor normal at the appropriate time, inductively transferring almost all (98%) of the stored magnetic energy into the Gen-1 propulsion loops. Detailed capital and operating costs for Gen-1 are projected. At 128,000 tons launched annually (10 launches daily) and 10 year amortization of the $30 billion capital cost, payload launch cost is only $50/kilogram. With aggressive development, Gen-1 could start operation in 2018, serving a multitude of important new commercial (space solar power, communications, etc.) and space exploration applications. Potential sites for Gen-1 are described.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D3.2.11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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