Mass Driver
A mass driver is a method of non-rocket spacelaunch that utilizes linear motors and electromagnets to accelerate payloads.
Overview
A mass driver is a method of non-rocket spacelaunch. It employs a linear motor to accelerate payloads using coils of wire energized by electricity. Electromagnets, made from these coils, sequentially fire to accelerate the payload, which continues to move due to momentum after leaving the path. The concept of mass drivers is discussed in a book by W. J. Williams, published in 1989.
Applications and Developments
Mass drivers are being integrated into spaceports, with African spaceports adding them to their facilities. However, NCX, a significant spaceport in North America, has faced challenges, including insufficient renovations and a lack of investment from Orbital Air since its opening in 2047. The spaceport has been described as becoming a third-grade facility, with public discontent growing due to its decline.
Historical Context
The first use of a mass driver in armed conflict occurred in 2008, when a mass driver at Tycho launched a two-ton stone at the US Army Headquarters in Colorado Springs, resulting in significant destruction. Mass drivers are regulated by law and are limited to Moon-based projects of the European Space Council (ESC), which is theoretically an apolitical organization.
NCX Spaceport
NCX is a space-airport located on Morro Rock in Del Coronado Bay, west of Night City. Owned by Orbital Air, it serves over 100 million passengers annually and offers more than 80 destinations worldwide, including flights to the Moon. The spaceport is outside of Night City's jurisdiction and is considered a neutral zone, where only international laws apply.
Technological Significance
NCX was once considered one of North America's technological wonders, but its infrastructure has become outdated after more than twenty years. Plans for a mass driver launch site were made, but construction was canceled using loopholes, and the remains of the mass driver were eventually dismantled.
Referencie
- ↑ . n.d. Mass driver.
- ↑ . n.d. The mass-driver provocation. NCX today and tomorrow.
- ↑ . n.d. Death from Above: Mass Drivers as Weapons of Mass Destruction.
- ↑ . n.d. NCX Spaceport.
- ↑ . n.d. Crystal Palace.