Rocket propulsion is no longer the only way to get into space. Other existing technology like magnetic levitation can be utilized, and that is what the Startram orbital launch system maximizes for space travel.
Startram is basically a maglev (magnetic levitation) launch system, by which a train ride-like experience into the earth’s orbit is seen as possible. Unlike in rockets where friction is a major problem, the magnetically-levitated launch system avoids friction overall. Also, the experience is quite the same as in maglev passenger trains currently used in various countries, but 50 times faster.
Advantages of Magnetic Levitation
The primary advantage of using magnetic levitation for space travel is the significant reduction in friction. Traditional rockets face immense friction as they ascend through the atmosphere, which not only requires a substantial amount of fuel but also generates a lot of heat. In contrast, a maglev system like Startram eliminates this friction by levitating above the track, allowing for a smoother and more efficient ascent. This technology is already in use in high-speed trains in countries like Japan and China, where maglev trains can reach speeds of up to 600 km/h. Startram aims to take this technology to the next level, achieving speeds that are 50 times faster.
Another advantage is the potential for cost savings. The Startram project is estimated to cost up to $60 billion and take 20 years to build. While this may seem like a hefty investment, it is significantly cheaper than the $500 billion budget for traditional rocket space travel, the $170 billion Space Shuttle program, and the $150 billion International Space Station. These cost savings could make space travel more accessible, even for tourists on a budget.
Technical Feasibility and Challenges
The Startram has passed Sandia National Laboratories’ “murder-squad” investigations. The latter is known for finding faults in proposed concepts and projects. This endorsement adds a layer of credibility to the feasibility of the project. However, there are still several technical challenges that need to be addressed. For instance, the infrastructure required for a maglev launch system would be enormous. The track would need to be several kilometers long and capable of withstanding extreme forces. Additionally, the system would need to be designed to handle the transition from the Earth’s atmosphere to the vacuum of space, which presents its own set of engineering challenges.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Startram system is its potential to revolutionize space travel. Unlike traditional rockets, which are single-use and expensive to produce, a maglev launch system could be reused multiple times, further reducing costs. This could pave the way for more frequent and affordable space missions, including scientific research, satellite deployment, and even space tourism.
Moreover, the environmental impact of a maglev launch system would be significantly lower than that of traditional rockets. Rockets rely on the combustion of large amounts of fuel, which releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere. In contrast, a maglev system would be powered by electricity, which could be sourced from renewable energy, making it a more sustainable option for space travel.
If approved, the Startram project would take 20 years to build and would cost up to $60 billion. This is definitely cheaper than the $500 billion budget for rocket space travel, $170 billion Space Shuttle program, and $150 billion International Space Station. Not to mention, Startram would make space travel more possible, even for tourists on a budget.
The Startram maglev launch system represents a promising alternative to traditional rocket propulsion for space travel. By leveraging the advantages of magnetic levitation, it offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to reach Earth’s orbit. While there are still technical challenges to overcome, the potential benefits make it a compelling option for the future of space exploration.
via Gizmag
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