EARTH TO SPACE CITY
The magnetic forces on a current loop in the magnetic field gradients above the ground ring of a space city can
provide forces that could propel a vehicle from the earth to the space city in a controlled manner, with velocities
under the speed of sound. Such a vehicle, dubbed a "space guppy" because of its looks is shown on the right.
This vehicle would follow a helical trajectory from earth to space, propelled by the magnetic field gradients of
the current loops. This space ship would have multiple electric current coils. The electric current would be
routed with superconducting switches to the coil appropriate for applying force, depending on the ships position
in the magnetic fields.
The control room and payload would be inside the space guppy.
This means of reaching the space city would allow relatively slow velocities and soft landings on the space city
platform.
The magnetic forces on a current loop in the magnetic field gradients above the ground ring of a space city can
provide forces that could propel a vehicle from the earth to the space city in a controlled manner, with velocities
under the speed of sound. Such a vehicle, dubbed a "space guppy" because of its looks is shown on the right.
This vehicle would follow a helical trajectory from earth to space, propelled by the magnetic field gradients of
the current loops. This space ship would have multiple electric current coils. The electric current would be
routed with superconducting switches to the coil appropriate for applying force, depending on the ships position
in the magnetic fields.
The control room and payload would be inside the space guppy.
This means of reaching the space city would allow relatively slow velocities and soft landings on the space city
platform.
EARTH TO ORBIT AND SPACE
Magnetic gradient forces can be used to power a delta shaped
spacecraft with a large imbedded current loop as illustrated on the
right. The craft also has wing flaps and tail flaps for exerting
aerodynamic forces for stability during flight. A spiral path would be
taken in the strong field gradients of a large ground current loop.
Studies of the optimum motion indicate that large payloads could
be lifted to about 5,000 feet and velocities of a few thousand miles
per hour. A second stage, using chemical rockets would be needed
to move higher and to have orbital velocities. This is thus a partial
earth to space solution. However, it is extremely useful to take a
heavy load to these velocities.
Magnetic gradient forces can be used to power a delta shaped
spacecraft with a large imbedded current loop as illustrated on the
right. The craft also has wing flaps and tail flaps for exerting
aerodynamic forces for stability during flight. A spiral path would be
taken in the strong field gradients of a large ground current loop.
Studies of the optimum motion indicate that large payloads could
be lifted to about 5,000 feet and velocities of a few thousand miles
per hour. A second stage, using chemical rockets would be needed
to move higher and to have orbital velocities. This is thus a partial
earth to space solution. However, it is extremely useful to take a
heavy load to these velocities.
THIS IS NOT A FULLY DEVELOPED IDEA!
The idea is presented hear to obtain some feedback from experts on aerodynamics and
superconducting magnet engineering. Work is needed on stability, redundancy and many
other issues, including how to shield a control room from the large magnetic fields.
The idea is presented hear to obtain some feedback from experts on aerodynamics and
superconducting magnet engineering. Work is needed on stability, redundancy and many
other issues, including how to shield a control room from the large magnetic fields.
