Sky Ramp Technology

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Summary About Us Safety Track Type Sled Type Spaceport X-33 Example Save-a-Stage Demonstrator Ramjets Interceptor Test Track Jet Sled RLV Design Fundamentals High Launch Timeline Experts References Tunnel Launch

Mankind needs an inexpensive method of launching spacecraft. For the past 48 years, the basic method has been multi-stage expendable rockets. There has always been great interest in a single-stage Reusable Launched Vehicle (RLV), to allow ordinary people to visit outer space for the same cost as a trip to Europe. In fact, today’s “Space Shuttle” was envisioned as a single-stage RLV, but that proved impractical so two semi-reusable rocket boosters and massive disposable fuel tank are needed, which pushes the total cost for each mission over $500 million. As a result, hopes for 100 shuttle launches a year have dwindled to four a year. NASA canceled a more recent attempt at a single-stage RLV, the X-33/Venturestar, when problems proved insurmountable.

The solution is a "Sky Ramp" assisted-launch to propel an RLV on a sled to supersonic speeds up a long inclined track before the RLV fires its engines. This can be done with today's rocket engines or pneumatic accelerators at less than 6 Gs from a variety of proven tracks. The sled can also launch any airborne vehicle, including Mach 3+ ramjet powered aircraft or spaceplanes. This does not require a technological breakthrough since scientists and engineers have proven this concept viable using existing technology.

The Space Shuttle burns 40% of its fuel just to reach 1000 mph (Mach 1.3) because it struggles to push through the dense lower atmosphere with a full fuel load. NASA's maglev assisted launch studies showed that a 600 mph (Mach 0.8) assisted launch can reduce the required fuel by 25%, allowing a single-stage RLV to make orbit with a substantial payload. Assisted launch off a Sky Ramp is the only viable method of inexpensive space launch. This is the next leap forward in space launch. For details, choose a topic button on top.

Sept 2010 Update - NASA has taken an interest in ramp launch, albeit impractical horizontal launch