Rail gun experiment (HYPAC) at ISAS (meteorite impact simulation)

A railgun for the study of the interaction of meteorites with planetary surfaces and the interaction of space debris was developed. The authors have attained a velocity constantly higher than 5 km/s, with a maximum of 6 km/s. The importance of plasma confinement behind the projectile to prevent a leakage is shown to realize a high velocity. An effective acceleration using an aluminum rail is also shown.<
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