Sharp and the Jules Verne Launcher

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.49933· OSTI ID:385414

Hunter, J; Cartland, H ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Imaging and Detection Program, P.O. Box 808, L-495, Livermore, California 94551 (United States)

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has built the worlds largest hydrogen gas gun called SHARP, (Super High Altitude Research Project). Originally designed to launch 5 kg to a 450 km altitude, SHARP is configured horizontally at Site 300 in Tracy, California. SHARP is successfully delivering 5 kg scramjets at Mach 9 in aerophysics tests. Some of the results of the scramjet tests are enlightening and are presented insofar as they are relevant to future launches into space. Using a light gas gun to launch payloads into orbit has been analyzed. We look at LEO (Low Earth Orbit), GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit), and LO (Lunar Orbit). We present a conceptual design for a large light gas gun called the Jules Verne Launcher (JVL). The JVL can deliver 3.3 metric tons to a 500 km low earth orbit. We anticipate one launch per day. We present the history of light gas guns, the SHARP design and performance, and the JVL design. Another section is devoted to the vehicle environment and resultant design. Lastly, we present a cost analysis. Our results indicated that the JVL will be able to deliver 1000 metric tons of payload to LEO yearly. The cost will be 5{percent} of the best US rocket delivery cost. This technology will enable the next phase of man{close_quote}s exploration of space. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 385414
• Report Number(s): CONF-960109--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 361; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DESIGN
GUNS
LAUNCHING
ORBITS
PERFORMANCE
ROCKETS
SPACE FLIGHT
SPACE VEHICLES