Maglev Horizontal Launch Track for Reusable Aerospace Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The aerospace industry faces challenges in maintaining technological advancements and cost-effectiveness post the Space Shuttle program, particularly in efficiently launching aerospace vehicles while minimizing risks and maximizing reusability.

Innovation Solution

A horizontal launch system utilizing a magnetic accelerator with maglev trains and reusable component parts, including a winged booster and orbiter, to achieve efficient and safe launches by propelling vehicles down a launch track, transitioning to ascent, and utilizing braking thrusters for controlled landings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If vertical launch is used, then high launch velocity is achieved, but risk and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch velocityVSAvoidlaunch risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical launch approach by using horizontal launch. The aerospace vehicle is accelerated horizontally along a track to high velocity, then performs a gravity turn to achieve orbital insertion. This inversion eliminates the need for vertical ascent through the atmosphere, reducing launch risk and enabling reuse while maintaining high launch velocity through magnetic acceleration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rocket propulsion system used in vertical launches with a magnetic acceleration system. The magnetic accelerator uses electromagnetic forces to accelerate the vehicle horizontally to high velocity without combustion, eliminating the risks associated with vertical rocket launches and enabling safer, reusable operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If reusable components are implemented, then cost decreases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational costVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the launch system into distinct reusable components: the aerospace vehicle, the magnetic accelerator, and support infrastructure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently maintained, refurbished, and reused, reducing operational costs while managing complexity through modular design and specialized facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If horizontal launch is used, then safety and reusability improve, but infrastructure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunch safetyVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic accelerator track as an intermediary system between the ground infrastructure and the aerospace vehicle. This intermediary enables safe horizontal acceleration and precise control, improving launch safety while the track itself becomes a reusable infrastructure component that can be maintained and operated with specialized facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient, safe, and cost-effective horizontal launches, reduces risks associated with vertical launches, and allows for the reuse of critical components, thereby conserving technological knowledge and minimizing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic accelerator system is disposed along the track. The magnetic accelerator system includes a plurality of mag-lev trains, each including a respective plurality of carriers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic accelerator is disposed along the launch track for propelling the aerospace vehicle down the launch track to reach the takeoff velocity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic acceleration: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 3

The aerospace vehicle includes a winged booster and a winged orbiter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 4

utilizing braking thrusters for controlled landings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust: Rocket

Data Source

PatentUS11801947B2Methods and system for horizontal launch of aerospace vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 STEPHENS DENNIS

AI summary

A space launch system includes a launch track and an elevating platform for horizontally launching aerospace vehicles at a takeoff velocity. The launch track includes a first portion horizontally oriented with respect to the horizon, a second portion positioned after the first portion and horizontally oriented with respect to the horizon, and a third curved transition portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The elevating platform is coupled to the launch track and is configured to receive and position an aerospace vehicle upon the launch track. A magnetic accelerator is disposed along the launch track for propelling the aerospace vehicle down the launch track to reach the takeoff velocity. The magnetic accelerator includes magnetic levitation trains, each comprising a respective plurality of carriers that couple to the aerospace vehicle.