The present disclosure relates to a launch system and method. The launch system and method can include at least a preliminary accelerator tube system (PAT) that can be combined with a main accelerator tube system (MAT). The PAT alone or combined with the MAT can be used for launch of a vehicle for testing and/or for delivery of a payload.

This disclosure describes various techniques and systems for rapid low-cost access to suborbital and orbital space and accommodation of acceleration of sensitive payloads to space. For example, a distributed gas injection system may be used in a ram accelerator to launch multiple payloads through the atmosphere. Additionally or alternatively, multiple projectiles may assemble during flight through the atmosphere to transfer and/or resources to another projectile.

This disclosure describes various techniques and systems for rapid low-cost access to suborbital and orbital space and accommodation of acceleration of sensitive payloads to space. For example, a distributed gas injection system may be used in a ram accelerator to launch multiple payloads through the atmosphere. Additionally or alternatively, multiple projectiles may assemble during flight through the atmosphere to transfer and/or resources to another projectile.

A firearm propulsion system for releasing a projectile from a firearm includes a firearm having a chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin with a primer. A supply port is passed through at least one of the barrel and the chamber so as to reach the interior. A control valve is in communication with the supply port and is configured to regulate the passage of pressurized gas into the at least one of the barrel and the chamber from the supply port. A sensor is included in the chamber and is configured to detect the location of the projectile passing through the chamber after firing the firearm. A control system communicates with the control valve and the sensor to selectively release pressurized gas into the chamber after firing.

A firearm propulsion system for releasing a projectile from a firearm includes a firearm having a chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin with a primer. A supply port is passed through at least one of the barrel and the chamber so as to reach the interior. A control valve is in communication with the supply port and is configured to regulate the passage of pressurized gas into the at least one of the barrel and the chamber from the supply port. A sensor is included in the chamber and is configured to detect the location of the projectile passing through the chamber after firing the firearm. A control system communicates with the control valve and the sensor to selectively release pressurized gas into the chamber after firing.

A baffled ram accelerator system includes a ram accelerator tube with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of baffles disposed on the inner surface. The plurality of baffles forms a sequential series of propellant chambers along the longitudinal axis of the ram accelerator tube. An accelerator gun is also disposed on an input end of the ram accelerator tube, and the accelerator gun is positioned to fire a projectile into the ram accelerator tube.

A baffled ram accelerator system includes a ram accelerator tube with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of baffles disposed on the inner surface. The plurality of baffles forms a sequential series of propellant chambers along the longitudinal axis of the ram accelerator tube. An accelerator gun is also disposed on an input end of the ram accelerator tube, and the accelerator gun is positioned to fire a projectile into the ram accelerator tube.

Dynamic ram accelerator operation permits operation with lower acceleration, permitting launch of acceleration sensitive payloads such as crewed vehicles. Operational cost is reduced, and reliability improved, by reducing or eliminating internal consumable parts. Relative motion between a projectile and propellant at entry to the ram accelerator enables initial ram combustion at relatively lower velocity. Valves may maintain separation between sections within the ram accelerator that contain different propellant compositions. Timing of valve opening and closing is coordinated to provide conditions suitable for ram combustion. Control over propagation speed of propellant within the system may be obtained using one or more of baffle shape, baffle spacing, propellant temperature, propellant pressure, propellant mixture, temperature of components such as baffles, and so forth. Before the projectile is launched, internal separators between sections are removed, providing an open path to the ram accelerator exit.

Dynamic ram accelerator operation permits operation with lower acceleration, permitting launch of acceleration sensitive payloads such as crewed vehicles. Operational cost is reduced, and reliability improved, by reducing or eliminating internal consumable parts. Relative motion between a projectile and propellant at entry to the ram accelerator enables initial ram combustion at relatively lower velocity. Valves may maintain separation between sections within the ram accelerator that contain different propellant compositions. Timing of valve opening and closing is coordinated to provide conditions suitable for ram combustion. Control over propagation speed of propellant within the system may be obtained using one or more of baffle shape, baffle spacing, propellant temperature, propellant pressure, propellant mixture, temperature of components such as baffles, and so forth. Before the projectile is launched, internal separators between sections are removed, providing an open path to the ram accelerator exit.

A baffled ram accelerator system includes a ram accelerator tube with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of baffles disposed on the inner surface. The plurality of baffles forms a sequential series of propellant chambers along the longitudinal axis of the ram accelerator tube. An accelerator gun is also disposed on an input end of the ram accelerator tube, and the accelerator gun is positioned to fire a projectile into the ram accelerator tube.