Congratulations to the Third Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation(CASIC) for successfully completing the commercial space electromagnetic launch high-temperature superconducting electric suspension and navigation test, with Shanghai

2023-09-07

On September 7, 2023, the Third Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation’s(CASIC) successfully completed the commercial space electromagnetic launch high-temperature superconducting electric suspension navigation test. The test achieved a test speed of 234 kilometers per hour on a 380-meter track, setting a new record for the highest navigation speed of high-temperature superconducting electric suspension in the country.

During the test, the superconducting carrier maintained a stable suspension posture, the variable current system control was precise, and the acceleration and braking curves were consistent with the theoretical simulation results. The success of this test marks a significant breakthrough in commercial space electromagnetic launch high-temperature superconducting technology, and the system development and testing ability are essentially in place.

The commercial space electromagnetic launch system utilizes ultra-high-speed superconducting suspension and electromagnetic propulsion technology to boost commercial space rockets to supersonic speeds on the ground before ignition and takeoff, acting as a "zero-stage booster" for the rocket. This can greatly increase the payload mass per launch, shorten the launch cycle, accelerate the launch frequency, and is reusable, making it a brand-new method of commercial space launch. High-temperature superconducting technology is the core technology of the commercial space electromagnetic launch system, and its technological breakthrough has laid a solid technical foundation for commercial space electromagnetic launch engineering application.

Shanghai Superconductor completed the supply of high-temperature superconducting tapes for the “Commercial Space Electromagnetic Launch System High-Temperature Superconducting Electric Suspension and Navigation Test” at the beginning of 2023. During the development of the magnet, Shanghai Superconductor worked closely with CASIC’s superconducting magnet team, continuously providing technical support and services for high-temperature superconductor applications. Shanghai Superconductor is honored to be a core supplier who provided dozens of kilometers of high-quality high-temperature superconducting tapes and maintained good communication and cooperation with CASIC’s superconducting magnet team,contributing to the project’s advancement.

The test is the world’s fastest maglev vehicle trial utilizing all high-temperature superconducting magnets. Previously, only the Japanese JR company achieved higher speeds on the Yamanashi maglev test line using a combination of one high-temperature superconducting magnet and several liquid helium-soaked low-temperature superconducting magnets. The success of this test fully demonstrates the reliability of high-temperature superconducting materials and superconducting magnets, which can operate under conditions of ultra-high speed and great acceleration. It also provides a new alternative for maglev transportation to get rid of liquid helium cooling.

Meanwhile, the favorable result of this test signifies CASIC’s global leadership in mastering both low-temperature and high-temperature superconducting maglev technologies. Shanghai Superconductor is proud of the rapid development of China's national industry and technology!