Applications of a new mass-driver concept
Abstract
A description of the operating principles and requirements of a novel mass-driver concept is presented. The design obtains acceleration of payload bucket coils by means of transverse focussing from strong, off-axis restoring forces that are produced by drive coils operating in a 'pull-only' mode. The concept offers the unprecedented possibility of operating high-performance mass-drivers entirely within the limitations of existing commercial switching devices, such as silicon-controlled rectifiers, spark gaps, vacuum-triggered arcs or vacuum mechanical switches. Representative applications of the concept described are: (1) a large-diameter magnetic lunar launcher for payloads having autonomous maneuvering; (2) an intermediate-diameter launcher with long operational life; and (3) a reaction engine for orbit transfer of large, massive objects.
- Publication:
-
Rome International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- September 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981rome.iafcQ....O
- Keywords:
-
- Launchers;
- Lunar Launch;
- Mass Drivers;
- Orbit Transfer Vehicles;
- Railgun Accelerators;
- Space Industrialization;
- Catapults;
- Silicon Controlled Rectifiers;
- Space Commercialization;
- Space Manufacturing;
- Spacecraft Performance;
- Synchronous Motors;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles