Abstract Launch loads are critical forces to the payload. Many structures not designed survive these loads, thus, additional systems which absorb them required. These launch lock mechanisms available in different varieties. For a future magnetic bearing reaction wheel, two principles of mechanism concepts were developed and tested. The first one is based on spring mechanism, while second uses e...

Existing engineering materials allow the constuction of towers to heights of many kilometers. Orbital launch from a high altitude has significant advantages over sea-level launch due to the reduced atmospheric pressure, resulting in lower atmospheric drag on the vehicle and allowing higher rocket engine performance. High-altitude launch sites are particularly advantageous for single-stage to or...