Project G.A.S.P. Shaft Launching Facilities.

The Ground Accelerated Space Platform GASP is a plan for propelling large masses into space and into specified orbits within the solar system. Terrestrial bombardment or orbital missions are also possible. The plan involves acceleration of a vehicle to the escape velocity in a long, underground vertical or inclined tube by the release of nuclear energy into propellant fluid behind the vehicle. Terminal guidance is provided by solid propellant rockets carried within the vehicle. GASP launching involves exposure to high accelerations - 2,000 to 4,000g for lighter payloads and 500 to 1,000g for heavier payloads, on space missions. For terrestrial missions, accelerations are reduced to the order of 100g. Cost comparisons for payload in orbit between GASP and probable future rocket developments are made. Construction costs and methods are presented for several typical locations, involving different construction techniques. Probable operating costs and the cost of a small-scale test facility are included. Author