Magnetic levitation (Maglev) trains float over a guideway through use of powerful electromagnets, achieving high speeds. Now that same technology is being tested as an inexpensive way to launch satellites into orbit.
The idea of using magnets to accelerate satellites to the speeds necessary for launch has been looked at before. But those involved using straight tracks. A man named Jim Fiske came up with the idea of using a circular track like those used in modern day particle accelerators in physics research.
In this system, a satellite is enclosed in an aerodynamic, cone-shaped shell riding on a sled which responds to superconducting magnets. Once the sled has reached a speed of 6 miles per second, a laser device would separate it from the cone. The cone would continue travelling along a tunnel until it is launched into space via an angled ramp at a speed of about 5 miles per second. Fuel would be carried onboard the satellite for purposes of correcting its trajectory.
The current costs of sending a satellite into space through traditional rocket launch is about $4,000 per pound. The initial costs of the proposed magnetic launch system comes in at around $750 per pound and could eventually be lowered to $100 per pound.
The US Air Force is funding further studies into this technology, perhaps as use in launching weaponry.
Of course, if the Launch Ring is a resounding success, its use as a missle launcher could make it a target of attacks.
