Slingshot into Space

If you are handy with a sling shot you would know just how to send an object flying into the air. Well, in an interesting science project scientists of a Virginia based company are using the same concept to build a large slingshot which can be used to hurl small payloads into space.

The Slingatron is being developed by HyperV president and chief scientist Doug Witherspoon. As per Doug the Slingatron uses a spiral-shaped steel track that accelerates a payload with gyrating, hula hoop-like motions to send it whirling out into space. Theoretically it would be possible to send small payloads into space and let them arrive at the International Space Station in tact.

In practice this is some ways from becoming an alternative means of transporting material into space.Witherspoon said that they’re not going to launch people or fragile satellites with that, just bulk materials like water, and fuel and building materials in orbit. Still it should free up a whole lot of cargo requirement on shuttles and could prove to be a very useful science project. The testing on the Slingatron begins soon and we shall know just how viable it is, then.