MagLifter for cargo transport to low Earth orbit

The essence of space development rests on our ability to transport material and people safely, reliably, and cost-effectively into low-Earth orbit (LEO). Although substantial growth may occur when extraterrestrial resources are utilized, the seeds for development will be Earth-based resources transported to LEG. Beyond spacecraft payloads, cargo items such as water, food, fuel, raw materials for on-orbit industrial processes, and structural elements should be transported as simply as is feasible and with a minimum of complex systems. This essay presents the concept and offers a first-order analysis of a magnetic levitation launch assist system - MagLifter - for the placement of spacecraft and cargo payloads into LEG. MagLifter offers a robust design for the deceptively simple and decidedly crucial logistics problem of materials placement in space.