Whip It<\/p>\n
A newly-published patent dating back to 2017 lays out plans for a ship-based launch system that whips payloads into orbit using a miles-long whip that is being guided by a whole bunch of drones, according to GeekWire. The goals to increase energy efficiency by reducing the fuel needed to get to altitude.<\/p>\n
The system, dreamed up by Amazon Air VP Gur Kimchi and (winningly-named) senior Amazon inventor Louis LeRoi LeGrand III is surprisingly detailed in its patent application.<\/p>\n
Its an unusual concept: a miles-long whip is attached to a boat on one end, and a drone carrying the payload on the other end. A series of additional drones attached to the length of the whip fly up and down to generate a whip waveform. The end with the payload then cracks like a whip, sending the payload flying.<\/p>\n
The system could be scaled down to even fling smaller packages attached to aerial vehicles into the air as well. Payloads could even be flung from planes mid-air. But the main focus of the application is on space-based applications think satellites.<\/p>\n
Its not the first (and likely, is far from the last) crazy concept dreamed up by Amazon. Theres the patent for a system that would place warehouse workers in metal cages to protect them from robots, flying warehouses filled with delivery drones, and even tracking wristbands that spy on warehouse workers.<\/p>\n
Will we ever see giant satellite whips in action in the future? Unlikely.<\/p>\n
Patents take multiple years to receive and do not necessarily reflect our current product roadmap, an Amazon spokesperson told GeekWire in an email.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Whip it good! Amazon patents a launch system for snapping payloads into the air or even into orbit [GeekWire]<\/p>\n
More on Amazon patents: A New Amazon Camera Patent Is Straight Out of 1984<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See the article here: Whip It A newly-published patent dating back to 2017 lays out plans for a ship-based launch system that whips payloads into orbit using a miles-long whip that is being guided by a whole bunch of drones, according to GeekWire. The goals to increase energy efficiency by reducing the fuel needed to get to altitude. Continue reading
\nAmazon Patented a System That Literally Whips Stuff Into Orbit - Futurism<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"