Physics & Parameters
The rocket is accelerated by linear motors (Maglev principle) inside a vacuum tunnel. Zero propellant consumption for the first 1.88 km/s — equivalent to a Δv saving of 2,100–2,500 m/s including reduced gravity and drag losses.
Interactive Calculator
Adjust the acceleration — everything updates in real time.
Variant Comparison
Our final land-based version is clearly superior to all alternatives — no water pressure, simpler maintenance, faster realization.
Verdict: Land Version Wins
* Revised estimate – see detailed cost analysis
| Criterion | Underwater | Land (Shaft + Tower) |
|---|---|---|
| Water Pressure | 400 bar | — |
| Sealing | Extremely difficult | Manageable (vacuum tech) |
| Maintenance | Nearly impossible | Regularly feasible |
| Construction Time | 20+ years | 8–15 years (TBM) |
| Cost | 250+ billion USD | ~7–16 billion USD * |
Cost Breakdown
A one-time infrastructure investment — comparable to building the Panama Canal or a major particle accelerator. At 50–100 launches per year, the facility pays for itself in 3–6 years.
* Revised estimate based on real TBM/VSM data – see Cost Analysis
🏗️ Deep Shaft (4 km)
Vertical Shaft Boring Machines (VSM/TBM) — already proven for 4–8 km deep shafts. Mponeng Mine (South Africa) reaches 4 km depth. Drilling speed drastically improved with modern VSM technology.
Standard diameter 8–12 m · modular Maglev rails · prefabricated vacuum seals
🏢 Tower (2 km)
Hyperbolic construction using high-strength concrete + carbon fiber reinforcement. Precast segments for rapid assembly. Integrated vacuum pumps and AI-driven leak monitoring.
Multiple parallel tubes for redundancy and higher launch frequency
Technical Feasibility 2026–2040
The technology already exists — it's a matter of scaling and integration.
Mining Tech
TBM/VSM for 4 km shafts exists (Mponeng, Herrenknecht)
Maglev
Japan SC-Maglev: 603 km/h · China: 600+ km/h · Scalable to 7,000 km/h in vacuum
Vacuum Tech
10⁻³ mbar over 6 km is feasible (CERN LHC: 27 km at 10⁻⁹ mbar)
Location
Equatorial highland: rotation boost + thinner air + stable bedrock
Remaining Major Challenges
- Tower stability at 2 km height — wind loads, seismic events, thermal expansion
- Vacuum integrity over 6 km length under high temperature gradients
- Precise synchronization of linear motors along the entire track
- 30 g payload stress — hardened electronics required for cargo capsules
Timeline: 8–15 years construction with consistent standardization and modular design.
Fuel & Payload
The rocket equation reveals the dramatic effect of pre-acceleration.
🚀 Cargo Variant (30 g)
- Exit velocity: 1.88 km/s
- Δv savings: 2,100–2,500 m/s
- Fuel savings: 38–48 %
- Payload increase: 70–110 %
- Falcon 9: 22 t → 40–45 t to LEO
👨🚀 Crew Variant (4 g)
- Exit velocity: ~0.69 km/s
- Δv savings: ~900 m/s
- Fuel savings: 18–25 %
- Payload increase: 25–40 %
- Suitable for Crew Dragon / Starship Crew