Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
717501 IFAC Proceedings Volumes 2012 5 Pages PDF
Abstract

The railgun coupled levitation and gap system is a new and alternative approach for the launch of Nano satellite into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The technology has been developed because of the growing economic and environmental challenges. The approach is new but attractive. It has the potential to reduce the launch cost compare to the traditional small sounding rockets. This technology being eco-friendly doesn't affect the dense layer of atmosphere (Troposphere and Stratosphere) compared to the exhaust gases produced by present day rockets. The high rate of repetition, the reduced launch cost and eco-friendly features, marks it a more promising field.The present paper describes the main idea and functioning of such system. Along with, it discusses the practical feasibility of such a concept. The basic design, its functioning, launch and thrust system, propellant characteristics, flight mechanics and various thermal and pressure loads which the projectile will bear, are also covered in this paper. Lastly, the paper provides a schematic overview and feasibility of this technology.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Engineering Computational Mechanics