Mass driver

Proposed spacelaunch method

A mass driver or electromagnetic catapult is a proposed method of non-rocket spacelaunch which would use a linear motor to accelerate and catapult payloads up to high speeds. Existing and proposed mass drivers use coils of wire energized by electricity to make electromagnets, though a rotary mass driver has also been proposed. Sequential firing of a row of electromagnets accelerates the payload along a path.

Also known as...electromagnetic catapult
Trump orders Navy back to steam catapults

Trump orders Navy back to steam catapults President Trump directs the Navy to replace electromagnetic catapults with steam catapults and allows foreign shipbuilding.