About Us

 

SKY RAMP TECHNOLOGY

     Sky Ramp Technology is a non-profit group of scientists and engineers promoting a revolutionary method of launching spacecraft and airborne vehicles.  We are not a group of amateur science fiction enthusiasts describing interesting ideas.  Every proposal on this website has been proven mathematically possible by a physicist and former research fellow at NASA.  Using a Sky Ramp will cut the cost of launching spacecraft by 90%, compared to the 50-year old method of using multi-million dollars rockets for just one mission. 

     We began this website and effort in June of 2002 to promote the idea of inexpensive space launch.  We were quickly informed the idea was presented in the 1951 movie "When World's Collide."  (right) The technical director for that film was rocket genius Dr. Werner Von Braun, who had failed to interest the US Government in Sky Ramps.  The primary focus of missile development during past 50 years has been to fight a nuclear war with the Soviet Union.  Although inclined rail launches are simpler, safer, and far less costly, they can only launch one missile during the first few minutes of war.   From a military standpoint, it was better to invest in complex vertical launched missiles that could be dispersed in protected silos and launched simultaneously.  Therefore, the strategic missile program bypassed Dr. Braun's superior method and never looked back as it moved on to space.

      We sent e-mails to many "Spacecrats" who dominate America's space business.  Many wrongly assumed Sky Ramps require high-G launches from catapults.  The standard response was that it was an "old" idea, and most assumed that if it was viable NASA would have done it long ago.  Some claimed that NASA has studied the idea, but could not cite studies.   We have conducted extensive research into NASA's huge on-line archives and found nothing, except for some interest in maglev launch.  All agreed that it was a "good" idea, but some claimed it had fatal problems, which they couldn't identify.  Maglev assisted rail launch has support in NASA because it's interesting technology, so many questioned the need for rocket sleds.  What they do not understand is that current maglev technology can only supply about 1% of the energy needed to help an RLV make orbit.  It's in the experimental stage for space launch with toy size demonstrations and will not be ready until major technological leaps occur.  (Read this link: Flawed Space Launch Concepts)  

     The ageing "Space Shuttle" program is forcing NASA to choose a viable technology that can be ready in 10 years. Rocket sled inclined assisted launch is viable now, so maglev supporters should argue that construction of Sky Ramps for their maglevs should begin soon, and they can use rockets to augment their electrical power if advances in electromagnetic propulsion do not occur rapidly.  Congress is frustrated that the billions of dollars they send NASA each year is producing nothing concrete.  When Sky Ramp construction begins, NASA can proudly show Congress the future under construction.  However, this will take at least five years, so site surveys and construction estimates should begin now. abooster.jpg (16481 bytes)

     We also realized that most of the money for Sky Ramps will flow to civil engineering companies for construction, and little to aerospace giants.  Therefore, it's not surprising they scorn an idea to eliminate their profitable business of expendable launchers or future complex "fly back" boosters.  Sky Ramps will be worth billions of dollars in future business.  Anyone wishing to offer their skills, funding, or business resources to support this effort may eventually profit from future contracts.  Others are encouraged to spread the idea over the Internet so we can all visit Space one day.  We will answer any questions as we seek funding to begin site surveys for revolutionary Sky Ramps.  

To inquire, send an e-mail to: Sky Ramp

©2008 Sky Ramp Technology