Re-usable launch vehicles based on high velocity mass capture

High velocity mass capture launch operates by transferring momentum from a stream of mass originating outside Earth's gravity well to a launch vehicle. The incoming mass stream has velocity of approximately 11 Km/second. An estimated 4 tons of mass is deployed into the incoming mass stream per ton of mass launched into near earth orbit. A re-usable launch vehicle reaches high altitude, deploys into a mass capture configuration and holds station for a short period until the high velocity incoming mass stream intercepts the mass capture vessel. The vehicle experiences propulsive force associated with sudden velocity reduction of the incoming mass stream and accelerates to orbital velocity. The launch vehicle can be reconfigured and returned to Earth aerodynamically after mission completion. Challenges associated with mass capture launch include: collecting extraterrestrial material suitable for forming an incoming mass stream, confining the mass stream to the dimensions of a capture vessel, precisely placing the mass stream so that the incoming mass is captured during the entire launch event, preventing damage to the launch vehicle and preventing buildup of space debris. Avionics systems supporting complex interactions between mass stream generation platform and launch vehicle are essential to a successful launch.