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The transportation of humans into space requires a substantial quantity of fuel. The Apollo missions were launched into orbit using the Saturn V rocket, which transported 770,000 liters (203,400 gallons) of kerosene fuel and liquid oxygen to facilitate burning.
Scientists have envisioned various means of extricating ourselves from our atmosphere, such as the idea of space elevators, which would transport humans from the Earth’s surface to space. Regrettably, this notion is unattainable given the present state of technology.
The centrifugal launch method developed by SpinLaunch, a startup, enables the propulsion of a payload at a velocity exceeding 1,600 kilometers per hour (1,000 miles per hour). Although the technology has the potential to be more cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly, it is not ideal for the purpose of launching humans. The mechanism rotates at an astonishing speed, causing the cargo to undergo around 10,000 g of acceleration. Fighter pilots, who have received training to handle high acceleration, are capable of enduring a brief period of 9 g. However, prolonged exposure to g-forces over 6 is lethal for human beings.
According to the South China Morning Post, a Chinese news agency, the proposed concept entails the acceleration of a hypersonic spacecraft over a significant electromagnetic launch trajectory with the goal of achieving a launch velocity of Mach 1.6. Subsequently, the vessel would initiate its own propulsion systems and depart from Earth’s atmosphere at almost seven times the velocity of sound.
Thus far, scientists have conducted experiments on a 2 kilometer (1.2 mile) maglev track, propelling heavy objects along it at velocities of around 1,000 kilometers per hour (620 miles per hour). There are intentions to extend the track’s length and enhance these velocities by a factor of five.
Given the current circumstances, it seems unlikely that it will occur in the near future. However, it is uncertain if astronauts will embark on their space expeditions using a colossal ACME-style catapult in the future.
