Widely developing electric launch technology in China

Abstract

It can be seen from the 20 abstracts submitted to the 11th Electromagnetic Launch (EML) Technology Symposium by five Chinese departments, that is developing extensive electric launch technology. At least four Chinese ministries support the experimental research on electrothermal launch technology, electromagnetic rail launch technology, coil launch technology, and reconnection launch technology, respectively. There is also research being done on the electric armor and electromagnetic pumping technologies that are correlative with the electric launch technology. Some other ministries have established various foundations to support the theoretical research on electric launches. In addition, international cooperation in science and technology is under way. For example, we are currently doing cooperative experimental research on the electromagnetic launch with some foreign experts, and coauthoring a book titled Physics of Electric Launch (English version). emphasizes the cultivation of successors on the electric launch technology. Since the first Peter Kemmy Memorial Student Scholarship was awarded to a Chinese young scholar in 1998, more universities have begun to offer courses in electric launch technology for undergraduates as well as for Master's and Ph.D. degree students. Furthermore, some postdoctoral researchers are researching electric launch technology in their theses. To organize and unite national researchers on electric launch technology, encourage more people to enter the field, and stimulate further development, recently we have initiated to establish the China Electromagnetic Launch Society. The establishment of the Society makes it convenient for us to accept the lead of the international EML Permanent Committee, and to offer an opportunity of academic exchange and cooperation from home and abroad.