'Flinging satellites at 5,000 mph': Giant catapult is replacing rockets in new worry for Elon Musk
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Credit: spinlaunch.com
Kinetic revolution
SpinLaunch swaps rocket fuel for a spinning centrifuge, flinging satellites at 5,000 mph. NASA says this tech could reshape satellite deployment entirely.
Credit: spinlaunch/YouTUbe
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Fuel-free launches
Electricity powers SpinLaunch, eliminating the need for rocket fuel. Airbus experts highlight its potential to cut costs and carbon footprints dramatically.
Credit: spinlaunch.com
Extreme G-forces
Satellites endure 10,000 Gs during SpinLaunch flights, 100 times more than typical launches. Engineers at Cornell University are designing payloads to survive this brutal acceleration.
Tiny payloads
SpinLaunch focuses on small satellites under 200 kg, targeting low Earth orbit. Experts say this aligns with growing demand for miniaturized tech.
Fast success
With 10 successful launches in just 11 months, CEO Jonathan Yaney calls the system “a new era in spaceflight.” Partners are now testing real payloads.
Credit: spinlaunch.com
Eco-friendly edge
Traditional rockets burn 900,000 pounds of fuel per flight. SpinLaunch avoids ozone depletion entirely, MIT researchers call it “a game-changer for sustainability.”
Orbital adjustments
SpinLaunch requires small onboard thrusters for fine-tuning satellite orbits. While not fully fuel-free, NASA says it cuts fuel use by over 90%.
Human challenges
The system's G-forces make it unsuitable for humans—yet. Boeing engineers believe advances in tech could someday adapt SpinLaunch for crewed missions.
Credit: spinlaunch.com
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Future milestones
By 2026, SpinLaunch plans full-scale orbital launches from a coastal site. Industry leaders like Airbus and NASA are watching closely for game-changing results.