[CN] Maglev Rocket Launch Pad to Rival SpaceX by 2028

[latestnews]

China Plans Maglev Rocket Launch Pad to Rival SpaceX by 2028

China is aiming to challenge SpaceX and the U.S. space industry by developing an electromagnetic rocket launch system, set to debut by 2028. Led by private aerospace firm Galactic Energy, in collaboration with state-backed institutes in Sichuan province, the project uses superconducting magnets to accelerate rockets to supersonic speeds before ignition—similar to how maglev trains work, but launched vertically.

This innovative system could revolutionize satellite launches, offering faster, quieter, and more efficient alternatives to traditional rocket engines. The Ziyang government and the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) are currently testing China’s first electromagnetic launch verification platform. Their goal is to conduct the first operational launch within three years. If successful, this technology could redefine the global space race, positioning China as a serious competitor in private spaceflight and satellite deployment.

Info based on: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science ... h-pad-2028 Accessed 2025-03-25

[latestnews]

Private Chinese space firm Galactic Energy is at the forefront of this innovation. The company is working on an electromagnetic rocket launch system that leverages maglev (magnetic levitation) technology. The goal is to propel rockets to space at high speeds, dramatically increasing launch efficiency. If successful, the system could be operational as early as 2028, offering a new method for launching satellites that might rival traditional rocket systems.

This electromagnetic launch pad would work by using superconducting magnets to accelerate a rocket to supersonic speeds before ignition, similar to how a maglev train operates. According to South China Morning Post, the technology promises to boost rocket speeds beyond Mach 1.

Compared to conventional rocket launches, which require significant fuel to reach escape velocity, this system would cut down on fuel consumption, reducing both costs and environmental impact by transferring much of the energy required for launch to the electromagnetic track rather than relying on rocket fuel alone. This would drastically lower the cost of space launches, which are traditionally fuel-intensive.

Moreover, Galactic Energy’s system could have an additional advantage: the electromagnetic launch pad is expected to double the payload capacity of rockets and require less maintenance than traditional methods. This would allow for more frequent launches and help increase China’s competitive edge in the commercial space race.

Source: https://i-hls.com/archives/128746 Accessed 2025-03-31
.

2025-03-31-i-hls.com

Concept for a maglev horizontal launch by NASA - via Wikimedia commons