China is currently engaged in developing a unique space launch system. This launch system will be electromagnetic and will launch spacecraft into space at the speed of sound. Subsequently, the spacecraft will be able to accelerate up to seven times the speed of sound using its own propulsion.
Highlights:
- China is developing a new launch system.
- The launch system will be electromagnetic.
- America has also been attempting to develop such a system.
In today’s time, rockets are primarily used for space travel. However, China is working on developing a hypersonic railgun for space travel. This hypersonic railgun will utilize electromagnetic launch technology. The plan is to create a massive electromagnetic launch track capable of accelerating hypersonic aircraft to Mach 1.6. Once detached from the track, the spacecraft will ignite its engines and proceed into space. Once in space, it will achieve speeds up to seven times the speed of sound.
This aircraft will weigh more than 50 tons, making it larger than a Boeing 737. The project is part of the Tengyun Project, initiated in 2016. Traditionally, rockets rely on their own propulsion for flight, requiring substantial amounts of fuel. Attempts to develop such projects have been ongoing among scientists for some time, but it has remained mostly theoretical. However, China is now translating its words into action. Scientists working on this project believe that such a system can be developed.
China Testing Theory
Under the leadership of scientist Li Shaowei at the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), a team has written a paper. They state that electromagnetic launch technology helps address current challenges. To test this theory, CASIC has constructed a 2 km low-vacuum high-speed maglev test facility in the Shankshi area. This facility is capable of transporting heavy objects at speeds close to 1000 km/h. In the coming years, the length of the test track will be extended to 5000 km/h.
America’s Previous Attempts
China is not the first country to propose electromagnetic space launch. Concepts like these have existed since the Cold War era. In the 1990s, NASA attempted to bring this idea into reality, starting with the construction of a 15-meter mini test track. However, due to a lack of funding, the entire track was less than 10 meters long, and the project was later canceled. Whether China will succeed in this endeavor remains to be seen.