Google in Space: A Sling, Not a Loon Balloon
July 22, 2019
I read “Alphabet-Backed Space Launch Company Wins Pentagon Contract.” The write up explained that Google, Airbus, and a venture capital company are backing a company called Spinlaunch. Good name for an outfit which proposes to throw small satellites into orbit. None of the messy rocket fuel needed upon which are fixated Messrs. Bezos and Musk. Spinning is allegedly better than blasting.
Here’s the approach:
SpinLaunch emphasizes a “ground-based kinetic energy” approach. Specifically, it proposes to use a centrifuge-like device to spin a rocket round and round like a slingshot, building up momentum, and then hurtling it into the sky at hypersonic speed.
I assume the Loon balloons cannot get sufficient altitude to provide a platform from which to place tiny satellites in orbit. Hence, a new approach which seems similar to David’s use of a sling and stone to slay Goliath. Or, in the case of the Bezos and Musk “Goliaths” a centrifuge repurposed. Worth watching out for. Slings can be tough to control and David’s toss at the metaphorical Goliath may have been due to chance, not satellite worthy accuracy. Throwing a tiny satellite into the space junk orbiting the earth might score a chance hit. Interesting to consider how a satellite owner would react to a Spinlaunch stone knocking out a very expensive satellite.
Stephen E Arnold, July 22, 2019
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