China plans magnetic catapult on Moon to send resources to Earth
Chinese scientists have proposed a magnetic launch system on the moon to provide a cost-effective method for transporting resources extracted from the lunar surface back to Earth. The system, utilizing a 50-meter rotating arm and a high-temperature superconducting motor, aims to launch capsules filled with lunar resources twice daily. Researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering estimate that the cost of each launch will be approximately 10% of current transport methods.
The primary goal of this project is to extract and return helium-3, a stable isotope that has potential for clean and efficient nuclear fusion energy, to address Earth's energy needs. The launch system will use both solar and nuclear energy, with over 70% of the energy costs compensated by converting kinetic energy back to electricity during deceleration. The facility is projected to cost about 130 billion yuan ($18.2 billion) and is designed to last at least 20 years. Implementation will depend on the development of China's super heavy-lift rocket. This initiative could also be part of a proposed Russian-Chinese collaboration to establish a research station at the lunar south pole by 2035.
