The rapid growth of the space economy has created an unexpected challenge: there are not enough rocket launches to meet demand. Building new rockets takes years, and launch schedules continue to face delays. California startup Auriga Space believes the solution is not another rocket but a powerful electromagnetic accelerator that can launch rockets to high altitude before their engines ignite. By replacing the first stage of a traditional rocket, the company aims to reduce launch costs, improve efficiency, and support more frequent access to orbit, tells Forbes.com.
Auriga’s approach is based on a linear electromagnetic accelerator that propels a launch vehicle at hypersonic speeds using electricity rather than rocket fuel. Once the vehicle reaches a sufficient altitude and velocity, its onboard rocket engine takes over and completes the journey into orbit. Although the concept dates back to physicist Gerard O’Neill’s proposals in the 1970s, advances in power electronics, semiconductors, and electromagnetic systems have made it far more practical. The company has already demonstrated prototype accelerators capable of launching test projectiles at speeds exceeding Mach 2.4.
Rather than waiting until the full launch system is complete, Auriga is pursuing commercial opportunities that can generate revenue today. Its first product, called Prometheus, uses the same accelerator technology to test materials under hypersonic conditions for aerospace and defense customers. The company has secured more than $12 million through private investment and U.S. Department of Defense grants, and materials manufacturer Axiom Materials has signed on as an early customer. Auriga is also exploring defense applications, including counter drone systems.
The company’s long-term goal is to construct a multi-kilometer accelerator capable of launching small satellites into orbit. If successful, the system could ease pressure on today’s congested launch market while reducing fuel consumption and lowering the cost of reaching space. Although significant engineering challenges remain, Auriga’s strategy demonstrates that future advances in space transportation may come not only from better rockets but also from entirely new launch architectures that combine electromagnetics, automation, and advanced manufacturing.