Superconducting magnets for Maglifter launch assist sleds

Abstract

The Maglifter is an electromagnetic catapult being considered by NASA to reduce the cost of lifting a payload into space. The system would accelerate a vehicle of up to 590 tonnes to a final velocity of 268 m/s at an acceleration of 2 g. Superconducting coils are considered for levitation because they permit track-to-vehicle clearances of more than 95 mm. The high clearances reduce tolerances and maintenance costs, and allow a system with permanently deployed wheels for take- off and emergency landing. Cable-in-conduit conductors (CICC) were selected because of their high electrical and mechanical strength, as well as high energy margin for stability. The selected coil shape is a pair of racetrack coils forming a module with four modules on a sled. The superconducting levitation modules weigh about 4% of the gross lift off weight and are capable of achieving lift off at about 20 m/s. The maximum magnetic drag power is negligible compared to the power required for acceleration.