Auriga Space Secures $6M for Electromagnetic Rocket Launch

Rethinking Space Launch Efficiency

Currently, U.S. companies are increasing the frequency of orbital launches. However, conventional rocket technology presents inherent limitations due to its inefficiency. A significant portion of a rocket’s weight consists of propellant, and much of this is expended overcoming Earth’s gravitational pull and atmospheric resistance.

Auriga Space's Innovative Approach

Auriga Space, a California-based startup, is pioneering a new approach to space launch. Instead of relying on a traditional first-stage booster, they are developing an electric launch track. This track will utilize powerful magnets to accelerate a rocket to velocities exceeding six times the speed of sound.

The track culminates in a steeply inclined ramp, allowing the rocket to achieve hypersonic speed before engine ignition for the final orbital insertion. This ground-based system is designed for complete and rapid reusability, offering a substantial advantage over conventional methods.

Focus on Cost Reduction and Launch Frequency

“Less than 2% of a rocket’s mass ultimately reaches space,” explains Winnie Lai, founder and CEO of Auriga. “Our primary objective is to enhance launch efficiency, which we believe will lead to reduced costs and increased launch frequency.”

Leveraging Advancements in Power Electronics

The concept of electromagnetic launchers isn’t novel, drawing parallels to railguns and maglev technology. However, Lai contends that recent progress in power electronics – specifically, the ability to operate at elevated voltages and power levels – has made this approach both technologically feasible and commercially viable.

Securing Funding for Development

Auriga’s ambitions are being supported by a $4.6 million seed round closed earlier this year, alongside $1.4 million in new contracts from AFWERX and SpaceWERX. This funding round was spearheaded by OTB Ventures, with contributions from Trucks Venture Capital and Seraphim Space. To date, the company has secured $12.2 million through venture capital and Department of Defense grants.

Addressing G-Force Challenges

The final system design, including track length and rocket dimensions, is still under refinement. Even with an extended track, the vehicle will experience significant G-forces, potentially restricting the types of satellites that can be deployed. Initial studies suggest satellite components can withstand higher G-forces than previously estimated, according to Lai.

Auriga is also exploring customized solutions, such as adding structural support to accommodate payloads requiring greater G-force resilience, tailored to specific customer needs.

Drawing Parallels to Munitions Launches

“Munitions and missile launches routinely endure extremely high G-forces,” Lai notes. “We are confident that certain payloads can survive our launch environment, though further definition is needed. Increasing the launcher’s length would reduce the experienced G-forces.”

Initial Market Entry: Hypersonic Testing

Auriga’s initial market focus will be on hypersonic ground testing. A recent Small Business Innovation and Research grant from AFWERX will fund the commercialization of Prometheus, an indoor, lab-scale track, slated for early next year. They will also develop Thor, an outdoor accelerator for full-scale hypersonic test articles. (The orbital launcher is named Zeus.)

Filling a Critical Gap in Hypersonic Development

Customers have identified the lack of affordable, on-demand test infrastructure as a major impediment to hypersonic technology advancement. Prometheus and Thor aim to address this deficiency, providing a much-needed capability for conducting multiple tests on the same article under varying conditions, at a lower cost and with greater frequency.

The architecture will also support diverse tests, including weather, aerodynamic, and impact assessments.

Enabling "Responsive Launch" Capabilities

The company is also responding to the U.S. Space Force’s demand for “responsive launch” – the ability to deploy payloads to orbit with minimal notice. While recent demonstrations have shown launches with 24-hour notice, Auriga aims to reduce this timeframe to mere minutes.

A Vision for On-Demand Space Access

“Just as we summon an Uber and expect its arrival within minutes,” Lai states, “space access should operate with similar immediacy.”