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In 1865, Jules Verne’s science fiction novel "From the Earth to the Moon" imagined firing a cannon to send a projectile into space. While this remains unrealistic today, could a similar concept—launching objects from the moon—become a reality?
That is the question posed by Professor Moshe Einat and Dr. Yafit Orbach of Ariel University in their research, recently published in Scientific Reports. The researchers have developed an electric launch system based on a coilgun, capable of accelerating objects to unprecedented speeds using readily available energy in space—electricity—rather than conventional fuel, which must be transported from Earth.
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Simulation of the operation of the electromagnetic launcher on the lunar soil
(Photo: Professor Moshe Einat )
Future space missions, especially lunar colonization, will require advanced launch systems that do not rely on chemical propellants. While some current solutions explore extracting oxygen and fuel from lunar resources, another approach involves harnessing solar energy to power a fully electric launch system.
Existing electromagnetic launchers typically fall into two categories: railguns and coilguns. Railguns generate acceleration by passing current through metal rails, but their rapid wear due to friction poses a significant challenge. Coilguns, in contrast, use magnetic fields to propel objects without friction, eliminating wear and tear. However, previous coilgun designs suffered from relatively low launch speeds.
Breaking speed barriers
In their latest research, Einat and Orbach overcame the coilgun’s primary limitation—velocity. Their multi-stage acceleration system allows for the sequential addition of acceleration phases, each boosting the projectile’s speed. Using seven acceleration stages, they achieved a record-breaking velocity of 131 meters per second—the highest ever recorded for this type of launcher.
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An experiment of an electromagnetic rail cannon conducted in the United States
(Photo: BAE Systems/AP)
The system operates using a series of coils that generate a powerful magnetic field, pulling the projectile forward. The key innovation lies in the precise timing of electrical pulses, which enables smooth acceleration without energy losses from residual electrical currents. Additionally, an advanced power system recycles lost energy at each stage, significantly improving overall efficiency.
Transforming lunar launch capabilities
“Electromagnetic launch technology could revolutionize how we send research equipment or resources from the moon into space,” said Einat. “Instead of relying on traditional rocket launchers with chemical fuel, we could use a system like this to transport payloads more cheaply and safely—using only solar energy.”
Professor Moshe EinatPhoto: Ariel UniversityGet the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
While the technology is still in the research and development phase, achieving record launch speeds suggests it could soon become practical. “As we develop additional acceleration stages, speeds will continue to increase,” Einat added. “In the future, we may be able to launch objects at velocities high enough to send them directly from the moon into orbit around Earth—or even beyond.”
Looking ahead, electromagnetic launchers could eliminate the need for fuel-based launches from the moon, relying solely on magnetic fields. “Decades from now, the moon could serve as a central launch hub for deep-space exploration,” Einat said. “It’s exciting to see an idea that once seemed like science fiction move closer to reality.”