SpinLaunch’s Space Cannon Aims to Disrupt Satellite Game
A US startup is set to revolutionize low-Earth orbit launches with a cannon-based system, slashing satellite costs and emissions.
SpinLaunch’s Space Cannon May Redefine How We Launch Satellites
In the vast and rapidly evolving world of space exploration, a California startup is turning heads with a bold and unconventional approach. Instead of relying on traditional rocket launches, SpinLaunch is building what sounds more like science fiction than science: a giant spinning cannon designed to hurl hundreds of pancake-like microsatellites into orbit.
And this isn’t a distant dream. If all goes according to plan, the company’s first orbital demonstration could take place as early as next year.
A Spinning Leap Forward in Satellite Launch Technology
Founded with the mission to radically reduce the cost and environmental impact of spaceflight, SpinLaunch is challenging the status quo. Its approach replaces fuel-heavy chemical rockets with kinetic energy, delivered by a vacuum-sealed centrifuge that spins payloads at incredible speeds—up to 5,000 mph—before flinging them skyward through a launch tube.
Their upcoming fleet, dubbed Meridian Space, will consist of flattened, disc-shaped satellites, stacked like pancakes inside a reusable “launch bus.” At just 154 pounds each, they’re significantly lighter than traditional communication satellites. For context, SpaceX’s Starlink V2 satellites tip the scale at around 1,760 pounds.
Record-Setting Ambitions and a New Kind of Satellite
If SpinLaunch’s plan succeeds, it could break the current record for most satellites launched in a single mission—143, a feat accomplished by SpaceX’s Transporter-1 in 2021. The company intends to catapult 250 satellites in a single go, aiming to flood low-Earth orbit (LEO) with high-speed communication devices.
Recently, the startup secured $12 million in funding from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, pushing its total backing to nearly $150 million. Kongsberg’s NanoAvionics division has been tasked with building the inaugural fleet of Meridian satellites, which could be deployed in 2026 as part of a larger in-orbit test.
A Proven Suborbital Track Record
This isn’t just a flashy idea with no groundwork. SpinLaunch has already conducted ten successful suborbital launches from its New Mexico test site. Their existing Suborbital Accelerator—a 108-foot-wide centrifuge—has demonstrated that this kinetic launch system can withstand extreme conditions, subjecting payloads to forces up to 10,000 Gs during its 30-minute spin cycle before firing.
The orbital version, while more complex, will follow a similar path: launching the payload suborbitally before using onboard propulsion to nudge it into its final orbit.
The Cost and Climate Edge
One of the biggest benefits? Affordability. SpinLaunch estimates that once commercialized, its launches will cost as little as $1,250 to $2,500 per kilogram—less than half of the current market rate offered by SpaceX’s Falcon 9, which sits at about $6,000 per kilogram.
There’s also an environmental upside. Unlike chemical rockets that burn tons of fuel and release greenhouse gases, SpinLaunch’s system produces no emissions during the launch phase, making it significantly greener and less destructive to the upper atmosphere. Additionally, because their launches don’t rely on disposable boosters, there’s less space junk cluttering Earth’s orbit.
Eyes on the Future: A Larger Cannon and Bigger Goals
SpinLaunch isn’t stopping at 1,200 satellites. Once the Meridian constellation is complete, the company plans to build an even larger Orbital Accelerator, featuring a 328-foot-wide vacuum chamber. This mammoth version would allow direct orbital launches—no rocket ignition required—making it possible to launch up to five payloads daily.
If achieved, this could redefine commercial space access, empowering startups and governments with budget-friendly launch options.
Not Without Risks: The Growing Challenge of Crowded Orbits
Still, SpinLaunch’s innovation comes with concerns. Experts warn that increasing the frequency of satellite launches—especially in LEO—could exacerbate issues like orbital congestion, potential collisions, light pollution, and radio signal interference that affects astronomical observations. There’s also the growing issue of metallic pollution from re-entering satellites.
While the technology offers exciting breakthroughs, its implementation will require careful regulation and international cooperation to avoid unintended consequences in the skies above.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Bet That Could Reshape Space Access
SpinLaunch is betting big on a concept that could upend how we think about getting to space. By cutting costs, slashing emissions, and opening new doors for satellite deployment, their spinning cannon offers a glimpse into a future where space isn’t just for billionaires or government agencies—it’s for everyone.
As the company gears up for its first orbital test, the world will be watching closely. If successful, SpinLaunch might not just launch satellites—it could launch a whole new era of accessible and sustainable spaceflight.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and reflects developments as of the time of writing. The technology and timelines mentioned are subject to change. Always refer to official updates from SpinLaunch and related agencies for the most current information.
source : live science