FEASIBILITY OF A SPRING-BASED SUSTAINABLE LAUNCH SYSTEM FOR STRATOSPHERIC EXPLORATION

Silva-Cuadros R.; Terreros R.; Torres Y.; Merma C.D.S.; Mucha-Mateo J.; Roman-Gonzalez A.; Robles J.M.R. · Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC (2025) · DOI: 10.52202/083090-0124

Resumen

The stratosphere, considered a natural laboratory due to its exposure to radiation, low pressure, relative microgravity, and abrupt temperature variations, offers valuable insights into the conditions on Mars, the Moon, and deep space. Its study contributes to technology—such as instrument calibration—as well as to chemistry and biology, particularly in the survival of extremophiles, establishing the stratosphere as a gateway to space. This research proposes, from a theoretical perspective, an ecological launch approach based on spring systems to reach the stratosphere. The methodology first examines the physical and mathematical principles of energy, focusing on the storage and release of elastic energy. It then analyzes the transfer of elastic energy into kinetic and gravitational potential energy, complemented by mathematical models of mechanical efficiency and acceleration capacity. Finally, the study determines the maximum mass that can be launched as a function of the number of springs and the material’s elastic constant. The proposed system represents a reusable and low-cost alternative to conventional launch methods, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable space exploration. This work opens a new field of research encompassing spring material selection, structural design of the launcher, and optimal deployment sites, taking into account Earth’s gravitational variability. Moreover, the concept can be extrapolated to other celestial bodies, such as the Moon and Mars, which have lower gravity than Earth. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional Tecnológica de Lima Sur; Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú