LOG 3.1: The Launch Loop

Talita: The launch loop is an active structure maglev cable transport system. The upper rail is held 80 kilometers above Dirtball's surface by the momentum of dozens of rotor belts that circulate through the structure. The circulation transfers the weight of the structure onto magnetic bearings at the grounded ends, which support it.

Diagram of the end of the launch loop:

• 30 km wide rail loop

• radio dome

• berm wall surrounding rail loop

• magnetic bearings attached on each side of loop

• loop access rails

• ground access rail

Talita: In total, it's about 2,700 kilometers long and 80 kilometers tall, and the support rail width is about 60 meters. Quite large!

Diagram of a cross section of the launch loop rail:

• central maglev rail

• 2 maintenance cables and personnel maglev rails below main rail

• 7 active support stands

• support rails for stabilizing payload

Diagram of a cross section of an active support strand:

• 5 rotors per strand

Talita: This megastructure was created as an upfront investment by a Tiiliitian mining company, and it paid for itself in ease of exporting billions of tons of metals, rare gases, and heavy water.

LOG 3.2: The Skyhook

Orbital Tether

Diagram:

• counterweight

• satellite body

• 600 km tether

• The hook, which may be swapped out to pick up different kinds of payloads.

• orbital direction (path around planet)

• spin direction (rotation of the entire structure)

Attachment Process

Diagram:

• payload accelerates on launch loop rail to the speed of the passing attachment point

• both traveling 3,800 m/s relative to surface

• "basket" grapple points extend from hook

• The RCS (reaction control system) positions baskets over “hitch” attachment points on the payload sled.

• basket tightens

Diagram of Dirtball (aka Ixion III, Shikaviil III):

• Path of satellite body: a circular orbit around Dirtball

• Path of hook: A three-lobed path following around the path of the satellite body

Talita: Incoming payloads give some of their kinetic energy to the skyhook, which slows them down enough to be safely transferred to the loop’s rail, and the skyhook uses that borrowed kinetic energy to fling outgoing payloads into higher orbit.

Talita: The skyhook orbits Dirtball about every 2 hours, and the entire structure slowly spins as it does. The 600 kilometer tether extending from the satellite body passes 80 kilometers above the surface at 3 different points, most importantly over the rail of the launch loop. Payloads are put into support sleds with hitch spurs and are sent up the rail of the launch loop to accelerate up to 3,800 meters per second, the speed of the passing skyhook's attachment point.

Idrisah: It's so scary.

Talita: (visibly delighted) Everything in aerospace is!