Abstract
This article discusses the issues involved in launching humans with an electromagnetic railgun launcher. The acceleration tolerance limits are discussed based on prior work by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and USAF. A potential application is described, wherein an emergency recovery system for astronauts on the lunar surface could be used for launch into lunar orbit for subsequent rendezvous and recovery aboard a parent vehicle. Tradeoffs between tolerable astronaut Gee-loads and launcher parameters are discussed, and the possibility of direct drive with batteries is considered. The tentative conclusion, subject to further analysis, is that such a system may be possible but that comparison with alternatives is required before a decision could be made to undertake such a development.
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