Relentless #47 - Mike Grace, Co-Founder & CEO of Longshot
15 snips
Sep 13, 2025 Mike Grace, co-founder and CEO of Longshot, specializes in kinetic launch technology for space exploration. He discusses the intriguing concept of space cannons as a cost-efficient alternative to rockets. Topics include advancements in projectile motion, historical innovations, and the challenges of designing hypersonic prototypes. Grace shares insights into the discovery of a unique testing facility and the importance of community engagement in tech projects. He also reflects on the emotional and financial hurdles faced during the tumultuous startup journey.
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Ground-Based Energy Beats Rocket Mass
- Kinetic launch keeps all propulsion energy on the ground, so only payload reaches space instead of carrying fuel mass.
- This contrasts rockets where most mass is fuel and structure, making kinetic launch potentially far cheaper per kilogram.
Wedge Geometry Enables Hypersonic Push
- Longshot uses a rear wedge and side gas injection to exceed gas speed limits and reach higher velocities than conventional guns.
- The trick mirrors sailing physics: angling the wedge lets the projectile move farther than the gas displacement alone.
Historic Superguns Proved The Concept
- Mike recounts historical precedents: the WWII German V3 and Gerald Bull's experiments showed multi-injection and super guns are feasible.
- Those projects used low-tech materials and proved distributed injection reduces peak stress and temperature.
