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Pneumatic Launch Design

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Launch

Plate

Launch Tube

The launch tube is a long vertical structure, typically 100-150 meters in length. The longer the tube, the greater the achievable acceleration. Increasing the diameter of the launch tube exponentially increases the acceleration. The rocket begins at the bottom of this tube, positioned on the launch plate, and is accelerated upwards through the tube into the air.

The launch plate, which matches the area of the launch tube, has a minimal gap between itself and the tube walls to prevent compressed air from escaping. The rocket is attached to this plate at the bottom of the tube. Upon release of the compressed air, the launch plate is propelled up the tube, catapulting the rocket into the air where it ignites its engines to continue its ascent to orbit.

The air tanks are filled with pressurized air before launch. To prevent significant pressure loss as the launch plate ascends, the total capacity of these tanks needs to be 8-10 times the volume of the launch tube. A critical aspect of the air tanks is the launch valves, which are situated between the tanks and the launch tube.

Air Tanks

The total open area of these valves must be slightly larger than the area of the launch plate to ensure that full instantaneous pressure acts on the plate, providing maximum acceleration. These tanks can be pressurized over hours or days and can release all their energy within seconds during launch. This design leverages the simplicity of pneumatic principles to achieve significant acceleration for rocket launches, combining efficiency with innovative engineering to reduce costs and improve launch capabilities.

Catch Platform Design

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The design of the 3-axis catch platform is also a relatively straightforward idea that can offer considerable benefits over competitors. It can allow for some quite significant inaccuracies in landing position to still result in a successful catch.

The system comprises three main components:

  • Booster stabilization arms (shown in pink)

  • Vertical stabilization rollers (shown in yellow)

  • Catch Arms (shown in red)

Booster stabilization arms

The booster stabilization arms serve as the initial point of contact with the booster. These arms are equipped with precise location sensors to accurately detect the speed and position of the booster as it approaches, allowing for seamless contact when the booster is within range.

Upon contact, the stabilization arms engage with the booster at the top of the frame, with this section of the frame designed to move downward in sync with the booster’s descent. At this stage of the catch process, the stabilization arms will not bear any significant weight, as they will be descending at the same rate as the booster.

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As the booster nears contact with the catch arms, the booster stabilization arms will begin to bear a significant portion of the booster’s weight—up to 50%. This ensures that the load is evenly distributed across the two layers of the platform, enhancing stability and minimizing stress on any single component.

Vertical

Stabilization Rollers

The vertical stabilization rollers move toward the booster, making contact shortly after the booster stabilization arms. Although the rollers can move horizontally to engage with the booster, they are fixed to the top layer of the catch platform and cannot move vertically. As the booster descends through these rollers, they apply a controlled amount of pressure, helping guide the booster in the desired direction, if necessary

These rollers are attached to the red catch arms so that they can ensure the booster is in perfect position for when the final contact is made.

Catch

Arms

The catch arms serve as the final stop for the booster. By the time the booster reaches this level of the platform, the booster stabilization arms will have secured the bottom, and the vertical stabilization rollers will have corrected its angle. As a result, the booster arrives at the catch arms in the precise position required for a secure capture.

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As the booster nears contact with the catch arms, the booster stabilization arms will begin to bear a significant portion of the booster’s weight—up to 50%. This ensures that the load is evenlyThe catch arm layer will incorporate a dampening mechanism to prevent shock loading during contact. As the booster engages with the catch arms, the booster stabilization arms will simultaneously bear a significant portion of the weight, ensuring an even distribution of the load across the system distributed across the two layers of the platform, enhancing stability and minimizing stress on any single component

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Benefits

The advantages of this booster catch method, compared to current competitor landing techniques, include:

  • No need for landing gear on the booster, reducing overall booster weight.

  • The system can accommodate landing inaccuracies of 5-10 meters.

  • The catch platform stabilizes the booster and corrects its angle prior to the final capture.

  • The booster is secured from both the bottom and top, ensuring full support for a controlled and stable landing.

For detailed insights and technical calculations , download the full AirLaunch Whitepaper from here

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