This document details the transition from surface storage to orbital capture, focusing on the "Spiral-Out" maneuver used to minimize G-stress.
To achieve Earth Escape Velocity (11.2 km/s) without destroying the cargo, the Mountain Cyclotron utilizes a spiral exit ramp rather than a straight linear track.
- The Geometry: The vehicle exits the 10km Pre-Accelerator Ring and enters a rising Logarithmic Spiral that wraps around the mountain's upper peak 3.5 times.
- Distance Extension: This increases the final acceleration length from ~2km (linear) to ~65km (spiral).
- G-Load Reduction: By spreading the velocity jump (5 km/s→11.2 km/s) over a longer distance, the tangential acceleration is capped at 79 Gs. When combined with the ring's 510 G centripetal baseline, the total vector stress remains well within the limits for "hardened" electronics and structural cargo.
- Directional Exit: The final turn of the spiral is a "Kick-Out" ramp that aligns the vehicle with the destination's orbital plane.
| Phase |
Time |
Action |
| I. Loading |
T-30m |
350kg USS (Universal Service Sled) is locked into the magnetic cradle of the 10km Pre-Accelerator Ring. |
| II. Spin-Up |
T-25m |
The Ring-Scale Flywheel begins transferring energy. The USS accelerates at a steady 0.4 Gs (tangential). |
| III. Ring Velocity |
T-05m |
USS reaches the steady-state ring velocity of 5 km/s. Hydrostatic bearings manage the 510 G centripetal load. |
| IV. The Breach |
T-02s |
Plasma Windows at the spiral entry point are activated. Steam-cushioning injectors prime the ramp. |
| V. Spiral Stroke |
T-0s |
The USS is diverted into the Spiral Exit Ramp. Induction coils fire over an 8.0 second power-stroke. |
| VI. Atmospheric Exit |
T+8.0s |
USS exits the mountain peak at 11.2 km/s. The Abrasive Ceramic Shield begins to ablate. |
- Coast Phase: The USS sheds the heaviest part of its plasma trail as it exits the "thick" atmosphere (approx. 45km altitude).
- Scout Alignment: The destination Orbital Logistics Hub (OLH) tracks the USS via LiDAR. The USS uses its integrated LOX/LH2 kick-stage for a 0.5s "fine-tune" burn.
- The Catch: The OLH extends its 5km Technora Tether. The magnetic capture-head engages the USS chassis.
- Momentum Trade: The OLH immediately begins Regenerative Braking on the winch, converting the USS's excess velocity into electrical energy for the IPACS Flywheels.
- Recycling: The USS is winched to the central spine. The spent Abrasive Shield is stripped for re-casting, and the 200kg cargo is deployed.
- Abort Scenario: If the Spiral Stroke fails, the vehicle is diverted into a "Catch-Pipe" filled with high-viscosity kinetic foam.
- Stirling Recovery: The heat generated in the spiral ramp from the induction coils is captured by the water moat and piped into the Stirling Engine Plant to begin recharging the Flywheel for the next launch (T+45m).