A multi-stage 130 m/s reluctance linear electromagnetic launcher

Abstract

Moon launching capabilities are vital for space program development. Especially important is the capability to launch without fuels or disposable elements since bringing supplies to the moon is complicated and expensive. An electric system would have the benefit of using solar or nuclear-based unlimited electrical energy. In this paper, such an electrical launching system is suggested—a reluctance coilgun launcher with multi acceleration stages. It has the benefit of simplicity and longer lifetime compared to other electrical launchers. In this paper, a successful implementation of a multi-stage reluctance launcher is presented that reaches the highest reported launching speeds from a reluctance coilgun. Moreover, a method to successfully add more and more stages is presented. Based on this method, an electrical launcher to be used for launching from the moon can be designed.