Magel: An Advanced Partially Reusable Launch Architecture Concept
Author(s)
Steffes, Stephen
Advisor(s)
Olds, John R.
Editor(s)
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Abstract
Magel is an advanced partially reusable launch architecture which uses two large
magnetically repelled superconducting rings as the first stage system and a liquid
expendable rocket as the upper stage. At launch, the two rings lay on top of each other
with the second stage suspended in the center, attached to the upper ring by cables.
When the rings are fully charged the upper ring is released, dragging the second stage
with it. Before the net upward force on the vehicle vanishes, the second stage is released
and sent to orbit while the ring slowly falls back to Earth.
This architecture is studied in an attempt to drastically reduce launch costs. The
first stage is fully reusable and must be refueled before every launch. The only resources
used are the upper stage rocket and the attitude control propellant. A full launch vehicle
analysis is presented including an analysis of the system’s feasibility and viability
considering various technology tradeoffs.
The baseline vehicle was found to be not feasible or viable even with infused
technologies. The first stage ring is 6.6 km in diameter and 3.3 km high with a total dry
weight of 15e6 lbs (6.8e6 kg). The cross section of the first stage ring is 2.2 m wide by
5.4 m high. Assuming a 56,900 lbs (25,800 kg) payload, 20 flights/year and a program
length of 30 years, the total cost per pound to a 100 by 100 nmi 28.5° orbit is $35,500
FY2003/lbs.
Sponsor
Date
2003-12-01
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
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