Maglev trains can theoretically reach escape velocity
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Peer-reviewed literature on space launch concepts like StarTram demonstrates that magnetically levitated vehicles can theoretically achieve near-orbital velocities, supporting the claim that maglev systems can reach extreme velocities sufficient for space travel.
Recent advances in energy storage, switching and magnet technology make electromagnetic acceleration a viable alternative to chemical propulsion for certain tasks, and a means to perform other tasks not previously feasible. Applications include the acceleration of gram-size particles for hypervelocity research and the initiation of fusion by impact, a replacement for chemically propelled artillery, the transportation of cargo and personnel over inaccessible terrain (front line support, ship-to-shore, emergency evacuation, forest fire control, etc.), and the launching of space vehicles to supply massive space operations (construction of solar power satellites, lunar and asteroid mining operations, manufacturing and research facilities), and for the disposal of nuclear waste. The simplest launcher of interest is the railgun, in which a short-circuit slide or an arc is driven along two rails by direct current. The most sophisticated studied thus far is the mass driver, in which a superconducting shuttle bucket is accelerated by a line of pulse coils energized by capacitors at energy conversion efficiencies better than 90 percent. Other accelerators of interest include helical, brush-commutated motors, discrete coil arc commutated drivers, flux compression momentum transformers, and various hybrid electro-chemical devices. A facility to investigate the most promising accelerating mechanisms has been established at this laboratory.
StarTram is a revolutionary concept for low-cost, high volume Earth-to-Orbit transport of passengers and/or cargo. StarTram is an evacuated launch tube that is magnetically levitated above the Earth's surface, up to a maximum altitude of /spl sim/18 km above the local terrain. Although the concept is advanced, it is within the limits of existing technology. The launch tube is levitated by the magnetic repulsive force between a set of superconducting (SC) cables attached to the tube and a set of SC cables on the ground beneath. A total current of 14 mega-amps in the levitated cables and an oppositely directed current of 280 mega-amps in the ground cables, produces a repulsive force of 4 tonnes/m at an altitude of 22 km above sea level (18 km above local ground level). These forces levitate a robust 7 meter diameter launch tube with an adequate margin of safety. The launch tube is stabilized, both vertically and horizontally, against the net upwards magnetic force and wind forces, by an array of high tensile strength (e.g., Kevlar) tethers that are anchored to the ground. Traveling inside the launch tube is a reusable StarTram Space Vehicle (SSV) that is magnetically levitated and accelerated to near orbital velocity in an evacuated tunnel at ground level. The SSV carries a set of lightweight SC magnets that inductively interact with a guideway of simple normal aluminum loops that operate at ambient temperature to stably levitate the moving vehicle. A separate AC current winding in the guideway pushes on the SSV's SC magnets, accelerating it. After the SSV reaches 8 km/sec at the end of its 1280 km long acceleration tunnel, it transitions into the ascending, magnetically levitated 220 km long launch tube, in which it coasts upwards to the launch point at an altitude of /spl sim/22 km The SSV then enters the upper atmosphere at a launch angle of 5 degrees. A subsequent 0.34 km/sec /spl Delta/V burn by a conventional LOX-kerosine rocket engine on the SSV inserts it into orbit. For a high-traffic system, StarTram can deliver payloads into orbit at a projected cost of $30 per kilogram This includes amortization of the launch complex, vehicle, and energy costs.
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