Slashdot Mirror
Magnetic Ring Could Launch Satellites, Weapons
MattSparkes writes, "A new study funded by the US Air Force has suggested a cheaper method of sending satellites (possibly missile weapons) into orbit. A 2-km-wide ring of superconducting magnets would contain and propel a payload, accelerating it over a period of hours, before suddenly flinging the satellite into space at 23 times the speed of sound. The satellites would be engineered to withstand the g-forces encountered (2,000 g), and be cased in an aerodynamic shell. A two-year study has been commisioned and will begin within a few weeks at LaunchPoint Technologies in Goleta, California." New Scientist points out that if such a launch ring were built, it would instantly become "one of the most important targets on the planet."
One of the "most important targets on the planet", eh? That means DHS will give it, what, $1? Everything will work out perfectly!
The space ring will get $1 of anti-terror funding, and a small town in the Appalachians will get most of the rest, giving them the money to build and even BETTER space ring! Next year the same thing can happen. Thusly, the competitive process of capitalism lives on, even in these trying times.
On topic, though, this space ring sounds like a cool concept, I hope the media doesn't start raving about how the extraordinary magnetic fields will cause brain cancer.
Anyone else think the comments just weren't rendering right before they turned off ABP and saw ads?
Well, they could embed a cross in their chests that would allow them to be resurrected. Although it could be at a terrible cost.
3 283685/sr=8-4/qid=1159902191/ref=pd_bbs_4/104-9955 155-8501551?ie=UTF8&s=books
http://www.amazon.com/Hyperion-Dan-Simmons/dp/055
You were mistaken. Which is odd, since memory shouldn't be a problem for you
lazer
It's LASER. No "z". Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
There are numerous problems with supplying laser energy to a spacecraft. First is that lasers tend to diffuse over long distances. Next is that atmospheric conditions can severely reduce the amount of energy supplied by a laser. Third is simply that its not very efficient.
Also, are you sure that your usage of "centrifugal force" is correct?
There is no mod option "-1: Disagree" for a reason. "Overrated" is not an acceptable substitute. Post something instead.
Yeah, it seems like the only thing that is going to happen is a rise in the pressure of the fluid. If that's true, the use of a breathable fluid like the previous poster mentioned might actually allow humans to withstand some very high G's. Although having to endure a launch procedure that involves using a breathable fluid sure makes the idea of going into space a lot less desirable to me. :)