LUNAR ELECTROMAGNETIC LAUNCH FOR RESOURCE EXPLOITATION TO ENHANCE NATIONAL SECURITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Abstract

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) shall perform a one-year physics-based study on the technical and economic feasibility of employing a Linear Induction Launcher (LIL) to move mass from the lunar surface into the cislunar volume for military and civilian use. We hypothesize that an LIL can be constructed and used on the lunar surface to launch multi-kg payloads into lunar orbit, and that complete lifecycle costs are not prohibitive and are significantly less than conventional chemical rockets. The study will yield a design and projected cost for a first-generation high rep-rate LIL that can launch multi-kg payloads into lunar orbit.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 20, 2023
Source ID
FA95502210517

Entities

People

  • Robert Peterkin

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • General Atomics
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites