You are a venture capitalist that is asked to invest in a startup company that claims it will be able to launch tiny "micro space probes" into space at close to the speed of light using a massive electromagnetic rail gun system2. You are cynical about their cost estimates and decide to analyze the problem in more detail before you invest in their company. Neglect air resistance for this worksheet

 

a. A typical payload they claim to launch will weigh 1 kilogram and be accelerated to 90% the speed of light. How much electrical energy will the rail gun require to launch the probe, assuming it is 20% efficient at converting electrical energy to projectile kinetic energy? 

 

b. Given that typical electrical costs are about 18 cents per kWatt-hr, how much would this launch cost? Would you invest in this company?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

a To calculate the electrical energy required we first need to find the kinetic energy of the payloa... View the full answer