Sky Bridge
The Sky Bridge
An orbital mass driver launch system
The Sky Bridge employs a sophisticated suspension support system comprising high-strength cables, meticulously upheld by cutting-edge electric plasma jet engines. These engines gracefully elevate a launch tube into the stratosphere, effectively replacing the conventional first-stage rocket propulsion for orbit-bound missions.
Incorporated into the launch tether are lightweight, high-voltage power lines sourced from a dedicated power station. Each pod within this innovative system features specialized lightweight transformers adept at converting high-voltage power into a low-voltage, high-amperage supply.
A total of twelve electric plasma jet engines working together to provide vertical thrust, thereby lifting not only themselves but also the approximately 500 feet of tether extending between each pod. To reach an altitude of possibly 45,000 feet at a 45-degree angle, a total of 90 pods are evenly positioned. As these pods ascend to higher altitudes, their power requirements increase to compensate for the thinner atmosphere. To address this challenge, advanced hybrid motors, combining fuel and oxidizer, are contemplated for the higher-altitude pods, each equipped with dedicated pumps for fluid transport. Furthermore, supplementary thrusters are strategically positioned at the tether's extremity to maintain tautness and ensure overall system stability.
The Tether will be made of woven high strength composite materials and will be supported by secondary lines furnished with support wires, operating in a manner akin to a suspension bridge. For the launch vehicle to circularize its orbit the projectile will need a compact liquid or hybrid engine, complemented by a simple cold gas thruster system.
Meticulous cable management stands as a pivotal concern. A vast ground area, equipped with robotic control arms, expertly guides the tether and support lines into an orderly configuration. The goal is for the Sky Bridge to operate continuously, with remote drone maintenance.
The tether incorporates prevailing Mag-Lev (magnetic levitation) technologies or possibly the new compressed air accelerator (Longshot Space) to facilitate the propulsion of the launch vehicle. Additionally, recent developments in Japan have introduced liquid helium-based power transmission lines, showcasing superconducting capabilities, which could substantially enhance the performance of the Sky Bridge, provided the challenges of cable weight and coolant management can be adequately addressed. Notably, each pod actively purges air from the tether to mitigate drag on the launch vehicle, thus optimizing efficiency and effectiveness.
