A mass accelerator for launching objects, such as a payload, via rotational acceleration is disclosed. The system may comprise a chamber maintained at near vacuum pressure, a motor that rotates a hub attached to a tethered projectile in a circular motion inside the vacuum chamber, accelerating the payload until the payload reaches a desired launch speed. The payload may be released from the tether upon reaching the desired launch speed and may exit the chamber through an exit port that is opened briefly to allow the payload to exit. In various embodiments, the circular mass acceleration system can be used to launch a payload into space orbit. By employing rotational acceleration via a mechanical approach, the acceleration system provides a cost-effective reusable system for launching objects.
Circular Mass Accelerator
2018-08-23
Patent
Electronic Resource
English