Chinese scientists are developing an electromagnetic rail gun system to launch a 50-ton spaceplane, potentially revolutionizing space travel by reducing fuel requirements and costs. This ambitious project aims to propel a hypersonic aircraft to Mach 1.6 using the rail gun, after which the craft’s engines would accelerate it to the edge of space at seven times the speed of sound. While NASA previously abandoned a similar project due to funding and technical challenges, and the US military shifted focus to hypersonic missiles, China’s advancements in maglev technology may provide a crucial edge in making the rail gun a reality. Despite the technical complexity, including the precise release of the aircraft amidst colliding shockwaves, the concept is deemed feasible and safe for astronauts.
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