A tech startup has created a prototype of a giant hypersonic rifle that can launch rockets into space

Longshot Space, headed by CEO Mike Grace, has made a breakthrough in the space launch industry. The startup offers an alternative approach to sending cargo into space. Instead of expensive rockets, Grace proposes to use a pneumatic gun, a hypersonic system that will simplify and reduce the cost of launching into Earth orbit.

In an interview with TechCrunch, the entrepreneur explained his concept. Grace claims that traditional rockets are too expensive and complex to launch objects into space efficiently and affordably. Instead, his team is developing a device called Longshot, which works on the principle of a «horizontal shot.» The accelerator uses compressed gas that is fed into concrete pipes to eventually accelerate the cargo to Mach 30 (36.7 thousand km/h).

As the ambitious project progresses, it encounters some difficulties. Hypersonic speeds are accompanied by very loud sonic booms, which requires launching at a great distance from populated areas. Grace is confident that this can be achieved. The Longshot Space CEO emphasized that his startup has received positive feedback from Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.

The entrepreneur claims that compared to other alternative approaches to space launches, such as SpinLaunch, his system can become much more efficient and affordable. It does not require expensive and «smart solutions»; a simple and cheap launch vehicle is enough. In turn, this will reduce the cost of launches and secure successful contracts to support future interplanetary missions.

As a reminder, a recent NASA space experiment provoked a potential threat to the Earth. While testing the asteroid redirection technology, scientists accidentally split a space body into pieces over 6 meters long. If such an object had fallen to Earth, it would have caused an explosion similar to the Hiroshima bombing.