The Sky Bridge
An orbital launch system
The Sky Bridge employs a sophisticated suspension support system comprising high-strength cables, meticulously upheld by cutting-edge electric plasma jet engines. These engines gracefully elevate a launch tube into the stratosphere, effectively replacing the conventional first-stage rocket propulsion for orbit-bound missions.
Incorporated into the launch tether are lightweight, high-voltage power lines sourced from a dedicated electrical generation station. Each pod within this innovative system features specialized lightweight transformers adept at converting high-voltage power into a low-voltage, high-amperage supply.
A total of twelve electric plasma jet engines adroitly provide vertical thrust, thereby lifting not only themselves but also the approximately 500 feet of tether extending between each pod. To reach an altitude of 45,000 feet at a 45-degree angle, a total of 90 pods are meticulously positioned. As these pods ascend to higher altitudes, their power requirements increase to compensate for the rarified atmosphere. To address this challenge, advanced hybrid motors, combining fuel and oxidizer, are contemplated for the higher-altitude pods, each equipped with dedicated pumps for fluid transport.
Crucially, the tether remains structurally sound, supported by a secondary line furnished with support wires, operating in a manner akin to a suspension bridge. For the launch vehicle en route to orbit, additional energy is imperative. This entails the integration of a compact liquid or hybrid engine, complemented by a straightforward cold gas thruster system. Furthermore, supplementary thrusters are strategically positioned at the tether's extremity to maintain tautness and ensure overall system stability.
Meticulous cable management stands as a pivotal concern. A vast ground area, equipped with robotic control arms, expertly guides the tether and support lines into an orderly configuration. The aspiration is for the Sky Bridge to operate continuously, with remote drone maintenance. However, certain exigencies, such as inclement weather or system malfunctions, may necessitate grounding the entire operation.
In a forward-looking stride, the tether incorporates prevailing Mag-Lev (magnetic levitation) technologies to facilitate the propulsion of the launch vehicle. Additionally, recent developments in Japan have introduced liquid helium-based power transmission lines, showcasing superconducting capabilities, which could substantially enhance the performance of the Sky Bridge, provided the challenges of cable weight and coolant management can be adequately addressed. Notably, each pod actively purges air from the tether to mitigate drag on the launch vehicle, thus optimizing efficiency and effectiveness.
