As the demand for satellite launches continues to surge, traditional rocket technology faces significant limitations. Conventional rockets are heavily reliant on propellant, which constitutes the majority of their weight, leading to inefficiencies as they struggle against Earth’s gravitational pull and atmospheric resistance.
A groundbreaking startup is set to revolutionize the launch industry. This California-based company is developing an advanced electromagnetic launch system that utilizes electricity to power high-performance magnets. These magnets will propel a compact rocket to speeds exceeding six times the speed of sound. The final segment of the launch track features a steep incline, allowing the rocket to achieve hypersonic speeds before igniting its engine for the final ascent into orbit. This innovative approach not only conserves propellant but also ensures that the entire ground-based system is fully reusable and can be deployed rapidly.
“Only a small fraction of a rocket’s mass actually reaches space,” the founder and CEO of the startup stated in a recent discussion. “Our primary objective is to enhance the efficiency of space launches, which we believe will significantly reduce costs and facilitate more frequent launch opportunities.”
While the concept of electromagnetic launchers is not entirely new, the startup’s design draws parallels to technologies like rail guns and maglev systems. Recent advancements in power electronics, particularly in operating at elevated voltages and power levels, have made this concept both technologically feasible and commercially viable.
The company has successfully secured a total of $6 million in funding, which includes a $4.6 million seed round completed earlier this year and an additional $1.4 million from new contracts. The funding round was led by a European investment firm, with contributions from other venture capitalists. To date, the startup has raised a total of $12.2 million through venture capital and government grants.
The final design of the launch system, including the length of the track and the size of the rocket, is still under development. Even with a long track, the high-G forces experienced during launch could limit the types of payloads that can be accommodated. Initial studies have shown that satellite components may endure higher G forces than previously anticipated, and the company is exploring options for custom modifications to enhance payload survivability.
“When considering munitions and missile launches, they often endure extreme G forces,” the CEO noted. “We are confident that there are payloads capable of withstanding our launch conditions, although further testing is required. If we aim to reduce G forces, we can extend the length of the launcher.”
In the coming months, the startup plans to introduce hypersonic ground testing as its initial market offering. The latest grant from a government innovation program will support the commercialization of a lab-scale track named Prometheus, set to launch early next year, alongside an outdoor accelerator for full-scale hypersonic tests called Thor. The orbital launch system is referred to as Zeus.
Industry feedback indicates that the lack of affordable, on-demand testing facilities is a significant barrier to hypersonic development. Prometheus and Thor are designed to address this gap, enabling customers to conduct multiple tests on the same test article under varying flight conditions, all at a lower cost and with greater frequency than currently available options. The system will also facilitate various types of testing, including weather, aerodynamic, and impact assessments, using a unified architecture.
Additionally, the startup is responding to the U.S. Space Force’s demand for rapid launch capabilities, which allow for payload deployment with minimal notice. While some companies have demonstrated impressive responsive launch capabilities recently, this startup aims to reduce the preparation time to mere minutes.
“Just as we expect a ride-sharing service to arrive within minutes, we believe the same should apply to space launches,” the CEO emphasized.