NDLI: Maglev Launch and the Next Race to Space

Content Provider	IEEE Xplore Digital Library
Author	Powell, J. Maise, G. Paniagua, J. Rather, J.
Copyright Year	2008
Abstract	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.
Starting Page	1
Ending Page	20
File Size	1186749
Page Count	20
File Format	PDF
ISBN	9781424414871
ISSN	1095323X
DOI	10.1109/AERO.2008.4526501
Language	English
Publisher	Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
Publisher Date	2008-03-01
Publisher Place	USA
Access Restriction	Subscribed
Rights Holder	Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
Subject Keyword	Magnetic levitation Costs Space technology Atmosphere Payloads Superconducting magnets Acceleration Aerodynamics Space heating Propellants
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Aerospace Engineering Space and Planetary Science

Sl.	Authority	Responsibilities	Communication Details
1	Ministry of Education (GoI), Department of Higher Education	Sanctioning Authority	https://www.education.gov.in/ict-initiatives
2	Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	Host Institute of the Project: The host institute of the project is responsible for providing infrastructure support and hosting the project	https://www.iitkgp.ac.in
3	National Digital Library of India Office, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	The administrative and infrastructural headquarters of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in
4	Project PI / Joint PI	Principal Investigator and Joint Principal Investigators of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in Prof. Saswat Chakrabarti will be added soon
5	Website/Portal (Helpdesk)	Queries regarding NDLI and its services	support@ndl.gov.in
6	Contents and Copyright Issues	Queries related to content curation and copyright issues	content@ndl.gov.in
7	National Digital Library of India Club (NDLI Club)	Queries related to NDLI Club formation, support, user awareness program, seminar/symposium, collaboration, social media, promotion, and outreach	clubsupport@ndl.gov.in
8	Digital Preservation Centre (DPC)	Assistance with digitizing and archiving copyright-free printed books	dpc@ndl.gov.in
9	IDR Setup or Support	Queries related to establishment and support of Institutional Digital Repository (IDR) and IDR workshops	idr@ndl.gov.in