What if We Shot Satellites Into Space With a Giant Gun?
Longshot Space is developing a kinetic launch system that uses a giant gun to shoot satellites into space, rather than traditional rockets. The system injects compressed gas into a long tube to push payloads to hypersonic speeds, with the goal of reducing the cost and fuel requirements associated with space launches. The company is currently testing a 6-inch prototype gun and plans to scale up to larger versions, with the ultimate vision of a 15 km long barrel capable of launching heavy payloads.
This technology could significantly lower the cost of accessing space, making satellite deployment more frequent and affordable, and potentially opening up new possibilities for space exploration and utilization.