B Can Unlimited Energy Launch Objects into Orbit Using Accelerator Technology?

[socraticmethead]

Seriously not the best way to start thinking about a launch system. We don't have any energy (money) to spare for that sort of exercise.

Isn't that why it was specified - so the first answer isn't "can't be done, energy/money"?

 

[bob012345]

Summary:: Trying to understand the factors of a launch concept

If an infinite amount of energy were available to create the lift mechanism for a space launch. What would be required to fire a 200lb object into low Earth orbit(160km) after speeding it up in a way similar to how the large hadron collider speeds up a particle.

Assuming the launch vehicle would:
A. Use technology x to protect its cargo from the effects of the G-force's it would be exposed to
B. Have a drag coefficient of 0.04
C. Have no additional propulsion after launch
D. Launch at sea level

The first questions I am looking to understand include:
1. Trajectory wise, is it more efficient to launch the object perpendicular to the Earth's surface like a rocket or at an angle like a ramp?
2. what is the minimum speed the object needs to be going when it leaves the Earth's surface to reach low Earth orbit unassisted?

This concept has been explored in detail not for Earth launch because of the atmosphere, but for lunar launch of material for building large space structures. Not a space gun but an electromagnetic launcher called a Mass Driver. In that case high gee forces are not an issue because humans are not being launched and there are no drag forces. Physicist Gerard K. O'Neill developed the concept in the 1970's to support his vision of building large space colonies. It is interesting that his background was accelerator physics. Solar energy can be used which qualifies as unlimited.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_driver#:~:text=A mass driver or electromagnetic,by electricity to make electromagnets.

 

[OutOfTheBox]

This concept has been explored in detail not for Earth launch because of the atmosphere, but for lunar launch of material for building large space structures. Not a space gun but an electromagnetic launcher called a Mass Driver. In that case high gee forces are not an issue because humans are not being launched and there are no drag forces. Physicist Gerard K. O'Neill developed the concept in the 1970's to support his vision of building large space colonies. It is interesting that his background was accelerator physics. Solar energy can be used which qualifies as unlimited.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_driver#:~:text=A mass driver or electromagnetic,by electricity to make electromagnets.

Thank you.