Auriga Space, a new US-based business, is leading the way in a revolutionary method of space launches. Instead of using the enormous amounts of propellant that are typically needed for space travel, the company is creating a launch track that uses strong magnets to send rockets into orbit. Auriga Space, which recently received $6 million in funding, is working to develop a launch system that can propel a vehicle to six times the speed of sound before its engine starts up for the last push into orbit.
The main goal of Auriga Space’s technology is to lessen the need for rockets that burn a lot of fuel. The propellant required to reach space usually accounts for the majority of a rocket’s weight. The rocket would use little fuel to propel itself into space via a steep, magnetically-powered launch track. This could significantly lower the price of space travel, increasing the frequency and accessibility of launches.
The use of magnets for launch is made possible by Auriga’s system, which takes advantage of developments in power electronics. The use of magnetic levitation for space launches is not new. However, due to technical difficulties, previous ideas, such as space elevators, were never tested. Auriga Space, on the other hand, is certain that its system will work. Less than 2% of a rocket’s mass actually makes it to space, according to founder and CEO Winnie Lai. In order to significantly lower launch costs and increase launch frequency, Auriga aims to improve the efficiency of space travel.
With two test tracks—an outdoor full-scale accelerator named Thor and an indoor, lab-scale model named Prometheus—Auriga intends to start with hypersonic testing. Their ultimate objective is to soon launch Zeus, a fully functional orbital system. The business has raised money from companies like OTB Ventures and AFWERX, demonstrating the strong interest it has received from investors.
Although it is still in the early stages of development, Auriga’s innovative launch technology has the potential to transform space travel and satisfy the increasing need for “responsive launches,” which would allow for almost immediate space access with little warning.
