In the rapidly evolving landscape of space exploration, the inefficiencies of traditional rocket launches have long been a significant hurdle. Conventional rockets expend a substantial portion of their mass on propellant, with much of it consumed merely to overcome Earth’s gravitational pull and atmospheric resistance. This results in less than 2% of a rocket’s total mass reaching orbit, highlighting the pressing need for more efficient launch methodologies.
Enter Auriga Space, a California-based startup poised to redefine the paradigm of space launches. Instead of relying on conventional first-stage boosters, Auriga is pioneering the development of an electromagnetic launch track. This innovative system utilizes electricity to energize powerful magnets, propelling a small rocket to speeds exceeding six times the speed of sound. The design culminates in a steeply inclined ramp, allowing the rocket to exit at hypersonic velocities and ignite its engine only during the final ascent to orbit. This approach not only conserves propellant but also offers a fully reusable ground-based infrastructure, promising rapid turnaround times between launches.
Winnie Lai, the founder and CEO of Auriga Space, encapsulated the company’s mission: Our ultimate goal here is to make space launch more efficient, and by increasing efficiency, we believe we can bring down the cost, and we can also enable much more frequent launches.
While the concept of electromagnetic launchers isn’t entirely new—bearing similarities to technologies like rail guns and maglev trains—recent advancements in power electronics have rendered the idea both technologically and commercially viable. Enhanced capabilities in operating at higher voltages and power levels have been pivotal in this development.
To fuel its ambitious objectives, Auriga Space recently secured a $4.6 million seed funding round, complemented by $1.4 million in contracts from AFWERX and SpaceWERX. This financial infusion brings the company’s total funding to $12.2 million, encompassing both venture capital and Department of Defense grants. The seed round was spearheaded by European firm OTB Ventures, with contributions from Trucks Venture Capital and Seraphim Space.
The specifics of the system’s architecture, including the length of the launch tunnel and the size of the rockets, are still under refinement. A notable challenge is the high-G forces imparted on the vehicle during acceleration, which could potentially limit the types of payloads suitable for this launch method. Preliminary studies by Auriga indicate that satellite components may withstand higher G-forces than previously assumed. The company is also exploring customized solutions, such as structural reinforcements, to accommodate various payload requirements.
Lai elaborated on this aspect: If you look at munitions, you also look at missile launches, those experience very, very, very high Gs. So we’re very confident there’s payloads up there that could survive our launch environments, but that’s still yet to be defined. If we want to bring down the Gs, then we make the launcher longer.
Auriga’s roadmap to orbit is structured in three progressive phases:
1. Prometheus: A laboratory-scale accelerator designed for ballistic and recoverable hypersonic testing of subsystems. This platform aims to provide a controlled environment for initial experiments and validations.
2. Thor: A full-scale hypersonic testing platform capable of replicating relevant flight conditions. Thor is intended to bridge the gap between lab-scale tests and actual launch scenarios, offering a more comprehensive testing ground for various components and systems.
3. Zeus: The culmination of Auriga’s efforts, Zeus represents the on-demand and daily dedicated launch system to orbit. This phase envisions a fully operational electromagnetic launch system capable of delivering payloads to space with unprecedented frequency and efficiency.
The company is set to commercialize Prometheus early next year, followed by the development of Thor. These platforms are designed to address a significant gap in the market: the lack of affordable, on-demand test infrastructure for hypersonic development. By enabling multiple tests on the same test article under varying flight conditions, Auriga aims to offer a cost-effective and high-cadence solution for both commercial and defense sectors.
Furthermore, Auriga is aligning its technology with the U.S. Space Force’s demand for responsive launch capabilities—the ability to deploy payloads to orbit with minimal notice. While recent demonstrations have showcased responsive launches within 24 hours, Auriga’s vision is to reduce this timeframe to mere minutes. Lai drew an analogy to modern conveniences: We call an Uber, and we expect the Uber to show up in a matter of minutes. I think that should be the case for space as well.
The environmental implications of Auriga’s technology are also noteworthy. Traditional rocket launches rely heavily on chemical propellants, which can have detrimental effects on the atmosphere. Auriga’s electromagnetic launch system, powered by electricity, offers a cleaner alternative, potentially mitigating the environmental impact associated with conventional launches.
In summary, Auriga Space’s innovative approach to space launches—leveraging electromagnetic technology—holds the promise of transforming the industry. By enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing launch frequency, Auriga is not only addressing current challenges but also paving the way for a more sustainable and responsive future in space exploration.
