[US] Electromagnetic Launcher

[latestnews]

Auriga Space announces new funding for its electromagnetic launcher
Auriga Space boosts payloads to rocket-free hypersonic speeds using linear electric motor technology.

Auriga Space, a California-based startup, has secured **\$6 million** in new funding led by OTB Ventures, with participation from Trucks VC and Seraphim Space, plus **\$1.4 million** in contracts from U.S. Air Force/Space Force innovation arms AFWERX and SpaceWERX—bringing total funding to around **\$12.2 million**, including DoD grants .

The investment supports development of its **electromagnetic maglev launcher**—a linear motor-powered ramp that accelerates small rockets to hypersonic speeds (over Mach 6) before they ignite their onboard engine . Key elements include:

* **Prometheus**: a lab‑scale hypersonic test track for subsystem trials.
* **Thor**: a full-scale outdoor test accelerator due in 2026.
* **Zeus**: a planned orbital-launch system for rapid, daily missions.

By shifting initial boost from rockets to electricity, Auriga aims to slash propellant use, lower costs, and enable multiple “on‑demand” launches per day—benefiting commercial and defense sectors. CEO Winnie Lai explains that only \~2 % of a rocket’s mass reaches orbit, so removing propellant-heavy first stages improves efficiency significantly. With modern power electronics and superconducting magnets, Auriga claims its approach is now commercially viable.

In summary, this funding milestone positions Auriga to validate hypersonic ground tests with Prometheus and Thor, while laying groundwork for its Zeus orbital system—offering agile, cost‑effective, and eco‑friendly launch capability.

Based on By Ruth Arteaga on July 19, 2025 https://inspenet.com/en/noticias/auriga ... -launcher/
Accessed 2025-07-19