Interesting Project That Launches a Satellite into Space with a Giant Slingshot: SpinLaunch (Even NASA Supports It!)

While cost and environmental impact continue to be a big problem in space exploration, a company called SpinLaunch has managed to find a very interesting solution to overcome these obstacles.

Founded by Jonathan Yaney in 2014, SpinLaunch has developed a launch system that works like a slingshot as an alternative to the chemical fuels and high costs of traditional rockets.

This centrifuge-based launch system basically aims to spin satellites at tremendous speed and launch them into the atmosphere.

This technology, which works with the logic of a slingshot, aims to make access to space much more economical and environmentally friendly.

The innovative launch system in question uses a 100-meter wide vacuum centrifuge, and thus the satellite is accelerated by electrically powered motors in this centrifuge.

The centrifuge spins the satellite at a speed of approximately 8,000 kilometers per hour and ejects it at a certain point.

So, we can call it a kind of giant slingshot that works with superior technology.

Since the energy used during launch is provided by electricity, there is no need for chemical rocket fuels, and this method both reduces costs and minimizes environmental impacts.

The working process of the system is quite interesting.

The satellite, accelerated in an almost frictionless environment in a vacuum chamber, can be thrown out at a speed high enough to be carried out of the atmosphere.

During the orbital placement phase, a small rocket engine comes into play and positions the satellite.

Thus, SpinLaunch offers a more sustainable and cost-effective method that does not require large fuel reserves.

It is known that SpinLaunch carried out its first successful experiment in 2021 at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

It is stated that this test has proven that SpinLaunch’s centrifuge-based launch system can work in theory and practice.

It is said that the company’s goal is to make the system full-scale after these successful tests and to be able to send larger and heavier loads into orbit.

So much so that SpinLaunch established many important collaborations during the development process and received investments from prestigious backers.

For example, NASA partnered with the company in 2022 to test SpinLaunch’s centrifuge launch technology, taking an important step towards testing the system and its possible uses.

We can also say that the support of an institution such as NASA proves that SpinLaunch has a very innovative and revolutionary technology and can contribute to space research.