# Go for a Spin (DD-474)

> SpinLaunch is a U.S. company developing a kinetic launch system: a vacuum-sealed centrifuge spins a payload on an arm to hypersonic speed and releases it upward, aiming to cut fuel use and cost. A small rocket stage would still be needed to reach orbit. It has run suborbital test flights from a smaller accelerator in New Mexico. The footage, credited to SpinLaunch, shows a test launch.

- Department: Space (also Tech)
- First published: 2025-01-30
- Last updated: 2025-01-30
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/go-for-a-spin/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-474-F01**: Kinetic launch. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Type))_
- **DD-474-F02**: Vacuum-sealed. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Chamber))_

## Write-up

SpinLaunch wants to fling payloads toward space with a giant centrifuge. No first-stage rocket needed.

1. **Type**: Kinetic launch.
2. **Chamber**: Vacuum-sealed.
3. **Speed**: Hypersonic release.
4. **Orbit**: Needs a rocket stage.
5. **Tests**: Suborbital, New Mexico.

## Related case files

- [It IS Rocket Science (DD-257)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/it-is-rocket-science/): I linked more rockets

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The Reel implies the centrifuge replaces rockets; an upper rocket stage would still be needed to reach orbit.

## Video: Go for a Spin: SpinLaunch Wants to Fling Payloads Toward Space With a Giant Centrifuge

- Duration: 20.8 s · Published: 2025-01-30
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DFeCtrNpjg5.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know? Spin Launch is an innovative space launch company developing a kinetic launch system designed to send payloads into orbit using a massive rotating centrifuge instead of traditional rocket propulsion. The system works by accelerating a payload inside a vacuum-sealed chamber using a high-speed spinning arm before releasing it at hypersonic speeds, significantly reducing the need for fuel and cutting launch costs. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What spins the payload?**  
A: Kinetic. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Type) · Wikipedia: SpinLaunch)_

**Q: Why vacuum?**  
A: Air. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Chamber) · Wikipedia: SpinLaunch)_

**Q: Release speed?**  
A: Fast. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Speed) · Wikipedia: SpinLaunch)_

**Q: Still needed for orbit?**  
A: Boost. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Orbit) · Wikipedia: SpinLaunch)_

**Q: Test site?**  
A: Spaceport America. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Tests) · Wikipedia: SpinLaunch)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: SpinLaunch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpinLaunch)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Go for a Spin." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-474, last updated Jan 30, 2025. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/go-for-a-spin/