NASA to test SpinLaunch’s satellite launch system

NASA has signed an agreement with SpinLaunch to test a different launch system. The company’s Suborbital Accelerator accelerates the launch vehicle to hypersonic speeds in an electric vacuum-enclosed centrifuge, launching it into the sky.

Satellite

The launch system developed by SpinLaunch is shown as a technology that can be used especially for satellite launches, although it is not possible to use it for all launches. The speeds reached by the Suborbital Accelerator make it difficult to perform for manned missions.

With a height of 50.4 meters, the Suborbital Accelerator can accelerate the launch vehicle to speeds up to 6 times the speed of sound. The first generation launch system developed can launch satellites weighing up to 200 kg. Thanks to the many advantages of the system, such as being reusable and eliminating the need for a first-stage accelerator in the launch vehicle, costs can be reduced to much lower prices.

SpinLaunch successfully conducted the first tests of its Suborbital Accelerator on October 22, 2021. NASA will start testing the system this year as part of its new agreements.

SpinLaunch CEO Jonathan Yaney: “SpinLaunch offers a unique suborbital flight and high-speed testing service, and the latest launch agreement with NASA is It marks a major milestone as SpinLaunch shifts its focus from technology development to commercial offerings. What started as an innovative idea to make the space more accessible has evolved into a technically mature and game-changing launch approach. We look forward to announcing more partners and customers soon. and we greatly appreciate NASA’s interest and support for SpinLaunch.” made statements.