From a Cannon to the Moon: China to Build Electromagnetic Catapult for Space Launches

In addition to the reusability of rockets, China intends to implement another advanced method of reducing the cost of space launches. It literally sounds like good old science fiction – like “from a cannon to the Moon.” Only the acceleration will be performed by an electromagnetic catapult – a civilian analogue of a railgun. It is amazing that the project implementation deadlines are quite tight and only three years are allocated for its launch.

Image source: Galactic Energy

It is known that the rocket power plant does the most work at the moment of takeoff and in the first minutes of flight. This takes the lion’s share of energy and fuel. An electromagnetic catapult on a magnetic suspension will help save at this stage, accelerating the rocket to supersonic speed without significant fuel costs. In China, electromagnetic suspensions are actively developed using superconducting technologies, including for the purpose of accelerating the launch of rockets.

The electromagnetic catapult is expected to double the payload sent into space with virtually no increase in the fuel reserves on board the rocket. In addition, the operation of the electric installation and its preparation for the next launch will be cheaper and require fewer resources.

The Chinese company Galactic Energy, which has already become the leader of private space launches in the Celestial Empire, promises to create the world’s first electromagnetic catapult for space launches. Its light rocket on solid-fuel engines Ceres-1 has made 18 successful launches, putting a total of 77 satellites into orbit.

Galactic Energy will build the launch pad with an electromagnetic catapult in the city of Ziyang, located in Sichuan Province. The installation was developed in partnership with state research institutes of Sichuan. Its commissioning is scheduled for 2028.