3. Lau CoilgunTM / Induction for Boost Phase Missile Interception, Space Docking and Transport
3.1 Lau CoilgunTM
Our Lau CoilgunTM uses superconductor magnetic fields to create a magnetic gradient which ̈pushes ̈ a projectile down a solenoid barrel. A magnetic projectile sabot creates a strong opposing magnetic
3.1.1 Addresses Magnetic Gun Challenges
Our design addresses challenges in previous magnetic launching designs such as the Railgun and conventional Coilgun, both of which did not use superconductors. Railguns generate magnetic fields by forcing electricity down a single conductor. Unfortunately, this generates excessive heat both in conductor resistance as well as junction friction.
Conventional Coilguns magnetically ̈pull ̈ projectiles along a solenoid barrel. But this requires rapid electric switching ahead of a projectile which becomes impractical at high speeds.
3.1.2 Small and efficient enough for deployment on LEO satellites
3.2 Space Transport and Induction Docking
Superconductors lower cost and risk for LEO transportation
3.2.1 Space Docking
- Competition: state-of-art transport is done by slowly and cautiously docking/berthing valuable spacecraft with rockets.
- Magnetic Induction provides in-line deceleration of incoming velocity vector no matter what angle, needs less accuracy and control = LESS RISK
Reduce Docking Risk
Induction Deceleration is Safer!
- Once stopped, spacecraft guided to port lock by magnetism = LESS RISK
Magnetic Guiding to Port is safer!
ü Compatible with, suitable for cheap retrofitting, and encourages existing NASA Docking Systems and International Docking Adapters
ü Solution is cheaper, lighter, simpler and more reusable than rockets; rapid repeat launching allows scalable, staged transport for large cargo volumes
ü Cheap, easy solution promotes standardized docking and transport in space
3.2.2 Interspace Transport starting with Launching Small Payloads back to Earth
- Competition: state-of-art reusable shuttles are infrequent and scaled for personnel and large cargo runs . . . not small payloads! Only 4 human shuttles per year (5 in 2021)
- Superconductor magnetism is cheaper, lighter, simpler with virtually infinitely reuse
ü Solar powered, no fuel, no combustion containment, no moving parts
ü Pod needs no propulsion except for guidance = cheap, simple, possibly reusable
ü Rapid, reliable, and cost-effective launch and re-entry capabilities for scientific samples and small payloads to and from the ISS, future space stations, and spacecraft
Launching Small Payloads back to Earth
Eventually Interspace Transport Will Replace Docking
3.3 Where we are and next steps
- Physics demonstrated with conventional magnets and copper wire @ TechConnect Washington DC 2021.
- Boost-Phase Missile Interception for Nuclear Deterrence
