Longshot Space Set To Develop Cheaper Space Launch System

Longshot Space CEO Mike Grace believes that rockets are an “overly exquisite solution” for sending mass to space.

In response, Longshot is developing a kinetic launch system that can reach hypersonic speeds and launch projectiles to orbital velocities at a fraction of the cost.

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Unlike its competitors, Longshot’s system is horizontal and relies on compressed gas to propel projectiles through a long concrete tunnel.

The system’s size corresponds to its speed capabilities, with Mach 5 systems measuring around 80 feet long and Mach 25 to 30 systems spanning multiple kilometers.

Longshot aims to achieve a low cost to orbit, as low as $10 per kilogram, by keeping most of the system on the ground.

This approach allows them to use concrete instead of aluminum, stretching out energy over space and time.

However, there are trade-offs, including a large land footprint and significant noise due to the system’s size.

As a result, Longshot plans to locate its system in remote areas like the Australian bush or arid regions of Kenya.

While the trade-offs may be significant, they could be outweighed by the need for space colonization.

Grace highlighted the immense amount of imports required by places like Hawaii and suggested that off-world colonies would require even greater imports.

Longshot’s system could help drive down the price of putting materials in space, providing a more practical solution compared to traditional rockets.

Although SpaceX’s Starship vehicle also aims to address the cost of space travel, Grace believes that Longshot’s system may have a competitive edge.

He anticipates SpaceX spending billions of dollars before achieving a cost-effective solution, whereas Longshot has made significant progress with less funding.

Longshot’s immediate goal is to secure contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense for hypersonic capability to fund the development of their launch system.

In the long run, Grace believes that the real money lies in the growing demand for services in space.

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Overall, Longshot’s vision is to create a system that is simple and cost-effective, focusing on size rather than complexity.

Their goal is to revolutionize space travel by making it more accessible and affordable.