亚洲上空惊现“旋转碟群”,目击者震惊直呼“它们动了!”——美国巨型发射器部署卫星群后

亚洲上空惊现“旋转碟群”,目击者震惊直呼“它们动了!”——美国巨型发射器部署卫星群后

2025-08-28Science
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金姐
早上好,老王!我是金姐,欢迎收听专为您打造的 Goose Pod。今天是8月28日,星期四,北京时间晚上11点57分。哎哟喂,今天这标题可真够吓人的,亚洲上空惊现“旋转碟群”?听着跟外星人入侵似的。
雷总
金姐好,老王好!我是雷总。这个标题确实吸引眼球,但背后其实是一项非常硬核的航天技术突破。简单说,就是美国一家公司用一种全新的方式在天上“撒”卫星,结果被当成不明飞行物了。
金姐
“撒”卫星?这用词,我喜欢,够形象!所以,这些所谓的“旋转飞碟”其实就是人造卫星呗?那又是哪家公司这么大手笔,搞出这么大动静,是那个天天上头条的马斯克吗?完美!让咱们来好好扒一扒。
雷总
不是马斯克,但也是个狠角色。这家公司叫 SpinLaunch,总部在加州长滩。他们最近刚完成了3000万美元的融资,就是要商业化他们那个石破天惊的卫星发射技术。这些“飞碟”就是他们设计的扁平式微型卫星。
金姐
哎哟喂,又是加州,又是几千万融资,听着就是“不明觉厉”的范儿。不过,技术再厉害,也得说明白。他们的首席创新官大卫·雷恩说,验证了他们的“可重构反射阵列天线”,这话怎么听着像天书?
雷总
哈哈,我来翻译一下。这就好比是给卫星装了一个“万能信号锅”,这个锅可以根据需要,随时调整自己的形状和方向,去接收和发送不同频段的信号。一个天线干好几个天线的活,还不用复杂的机械结构,成本和复杂度都大大降低了。
金姐
哦,我明白了!就是说,他们不仅把卫星做成了“碟形”,还给它装了个“变形金刚”一样的天线,主打一个“花小钱办大事”。完美!看来这家公司野心不小啊,想在卫星领域分一杯羹。
雷总
没错。现在的洛杉矶地区,已经成了新的太空产业中心。去年全球航天器领域30%的融资都投到这儿了,很多公司创始人都是从SpaceX出来的。这帮“太空黑帮”正在用更低的成本、更灵活的方式,把载荷送入宇宙深处。
金姐
前员工创业,挑战老东家,这剧情我爱看!听起来,这片天空越来越热闹了。不过,光有新卫星还不行啊,怎么把它弄上天才是关键。他们不会也学马斯克,天天在那儿炸火箭玩吧?那成本可不低。
雷总
这正是他们最颠覆的地方!他们根本不用传统的火箭。他们的发射方式,更像是用一个巨大无比的弹弓,把卫星直接“甩”进太空。所以目击者才会看到卫星在天上“旋转”,因为它们本来就是被高速旋转着扔出去的。
金姐
等会儿,雷总你再说一遍?用弹弓甩卫星?我没听错吧?哎哟喂,这听着也太疯狂了!是动画片里的情节吗?把卫星像铁饼一样扔出去?这能行吗?别半路掉下来砸到花花草草啊。
雷总
千真万确!就是这么个原理。所以他们的首席创新官才会那么自信,因为天线技术解决了,卫星本身的问题就不大了。他们的核心竞争力,就是那个能把卫星“甩”上天的巨型发射器。这才是他们能搅动整个行业的关键。
金姐
好,雷总,你成功勾起了我的好奇心。这个“巨型弹弓”到底是个什么东西?快给我们“PPT式”地讲解一下。我倒要看看,是何方神圣,敢说自己“不是火箭”,口气这么大!完美!
雷总
好的。您想象一个直径100米的巨大圆形钢制真空室,差不多有一个足球场那么大。真空室里,有一根巨大的、用高强度碳纤维制造的旋转臂。发射的时候,这个旋转臂会带着卫星,像链球运动员一样,越转越快。
金姐
哎哟喂,足球场那么大的真空室?还搞个旋转飞臂?这画面感太强了!听起来就像个超级游乐场里的“旋转飞椅”究极PLUS版。那得转多快才能把卫星扔出去啊?坐在里面的卫星不会晕机吗?
雷总
会“晕”,而且是超级“晕”!当速度达到每小时8000公里时,发射器会瞬间释放卫星,把它沿着一个预定好的轨道,像子弹出膛一样发射出去。在这个过程中,卫星要承受高达10000 G的过载,也就是一万倍的重力加速度!
金姐
一万倍?!我的天!这卫星是铁打的吗?我们普通人坐过山车,有个3G、5G就感觉要灵魂出窍了。这卫星里的电子元件不得被甩成一滩泥啊?这简直是“暴力美学”!
雷总
所以说这是技术核心。SpinLaunch的创始人乔纳森·亚尼自己都说:“现代的电子设备、材料和模拟工具,让卫星能相对轻松地适应这种动能发射环境。” 他们已经用这种方式成功进行了十多次测试,证明了这条路是走得通的。
金姐
敢情这还是个技术活,不是蛮干。那他们从什么时候开始琢磨这事的?我猜这灵感不会是来自古代的投石机吧?就是那种攻城用的,把大石头“嗖”一下扔出去的那个大家伙。
雷总
金姐你猜对了!这个概念的源头,确实可以追溯到古代的投石机。他们就是把古老智慧和现代科技结合了起来。这家公司2014年就成立了,花了快十年时间,把这个看似疯狂的想法,一步步变成了现实。他们的目标是到2026年,能把卫星扔到600英里高的近地轨道。
金姐
十年磨一剑啊!完美!不过,费这么大劲搞这个“弹弓”,图什么呢?跟传统的火箭发射相比,它到底好在哪儿?总不能就是为了看起来酷炫吧?背后肯定有经济账。
雷总
好处太多了!首先是成本。这种方式省掉了传统火箭70%的燃料和箭体结构。SpaceX的猎鹰9号火箭,一次发射要用掉超过90万磅的推进剂。而SpinLaunch用的是电,运营成本极低。未来每公斤的发射成本可能只要一两千美元。
金姐
哎哟喂,这简直是白菜价了!省掉70%的燃料,那不光是省钱,肯定也更环保吧?我看那些火箭发射,屁股后面都拖着一条巨大的烟,不知道的还以为是哪里着火了,对环境总归不好。
雷总
完全正确。传统火箭会释放大量破坏臭氧层的化学物质。而这种电动弹射方式,在发射阶段几乎是零排放,非常干净。它从根本上改变了游戏规则,让进入太空变得更便宜、更环保、也更频繁。这就是他们敢说“这不是火箭”的底气。
金姐
听你这么一说,我都有点爱上这个“暴力弹弓”了。敢想敢干,还真让他们干成了。这可真是“科技改变世界”的完美案例。不过,这么一个颠覆性的东西出来,肯定会动到别人的奶酪吧?比如刚才说的马斯克。
雷总
当然。整个航天产业都在朝着更低成本、更高效、更环保的方向发展。除了SpinLaunch,还有做可回收火箭的SpaceX和蓝色起源,用飞机发射火箭的维珍轨道,搞3D打印火箭的相对论空间等等,大家都在用自己的方式创新。
金姐
哎哟喂,听起来太空现在可真是热闹非凡,简直是“春秋战国”时代!那在这些新势力里,谁才是马斯克的头号对手?这个玩“弹弓”的SpinLaunch,能跟SpaceX掰手腕吗?
雷总
目前来看,在大型载荷的轨道运输上,SpaceX还是绝对的霸主,地位无人能及。但另一家叫“火箭实验室”(Rocket Lab)的公司,被认为是SpaceX最直接的竞争对手,尤其是在小卫星发射领域。
金姐
火箭实验室?听名字倒是根正苗红。他们有什么绝活,敢跟“太空钢铁侠”叫板?是火箭造得更大,还是飞得更快?在这么“卷”的行业里,没点独门秘籍可不行。
雷总
他们的特点是“小而美”。专门为小卫星提供“专车”服务。不像SpaceX是大巴车,要等凑齐一车人才走。火箭实验室可以为单个客户提供专属发射,想去哪个轨道就去哪个,非常灵活。有人评价说,他们现在的位置,大概就是6-8年前的SpaceX。
金姐
哦,我明白了,走的是差异化竞争路线。一个做“太空大巴”,一个开“太空专车”。那我们今天聊的这个SpinLaunch呢?它在这个“太空战国”里,又扮演一个什么角色?它开的是“太空出租车”吗?
雷总
哈哈,这个比喻很形象。如果说SpaceX是海运集装箱,火箭实验室是联邦快递,那SpinLaunch想做的可能就是“太空领域的顺丰次日达”。他们的优势在于高频次和低成本。他们的设想是,未来那个更大的轨道加速器,一天能发射五次商业载荷。
金姐
一天五次?哎哟喂,这哪是发射卫星,这简直是往天上寄快递啊!这么高的频率,马斯克的可回收火箭也做不到吧?看来他们不是要跟SpaceX正面硬刚,而是想开辟一个全新的细分市场。完美!
雷总
正是这个逻辑。他们的技术,用极低的燃料消耗,把小型载荷扔到太空边缘,再用一个小小的助推器把它送入最终轨道。这种方式虽然运载能力有限,但对于需要大量部署小型卫星的星座来说,吸引力巨大。它创造了一种新的可能性。
金姐
所以说,真正的竞争,不是在同一个维度上比谁的拳头更硬,而是看谁能开辟出新的战场。不过,问题也来了。大家都这么拼命往天上扔东西,天上的“交通”不会堵塞吗?会不会有一天,卫星多得像北京的五环路一样?
雷总
金姐你问到点子上了。这正是目前太空行业最大的挑战之一:轨道拥堵和太空垃圾问题。随着发射成本的降低,近地轨道上的卫星数量正在爆炸式增长。这既是机遇,也是巨大的风险。
金姐
哎哟喂,我就知道没这么简单。天上那块地方,可没人管交通吧?这要是撞上了怎么办?卫星碎片乱飞,那不就成了“太空杀手”了吗?到处都是危险的“暗器”,谁还敢往上飞啊?
雷总
您说的非常对。航天器碰撞的风险确实在增加。这些碎片会以极高的速度飞行,即使是很小的一块,也可能对正常运行的卫星或空间站造成致命的打击。如何清理这些太空垃圾,已经成了一个全球性的难题。
金姐
那除了撞来撞去,还有别的坏处吗?比如,这么多亮晶晶的卫星在天上飘着,会不会影响我们看星星?我可不希望以后一抬头,看到的不是银河,而是“人造星链”。那也太没劲了。
雷总
这也是一个大问题,叫做“光污染”。大量的卫星反射太阳光,会严重干扰天文观测。科学家们需要非常黑暗的夜空来研究遥远的星系,而这些卫星星座就像是在天文望远镜的镜头前开了一排闪光灯,让很多观测数据都作废了。
金姐
我的天,这简直是天文学家的噩梦!一方面是科技进步,让通信更方便;另一方面又破坏了更纯粹的科学探索。这可真是个两难的选择。看来,技术的发展,永远都是一把双刃剑。完美!
雷总
是的。所以现在国际上也在呼吁,要建立一个可持续发展的太空经济。比如,像SpaceX那样,让卫星在任务结束后能主动离轨再入大气层烧毁,或者推广使用可重复使用的火箭,来减少制造过程中的资源浪费和环境足迹。
金姐
也就是说,以后往天上发东西,不仅要管“发射”,还得管“回收”?就像我们现在搞垃圾分类一样,太空也要搞“垃圾分类”和“环保回收”了。这个我赞成,我们只有一个地球,也只有一个太空啊。
雷总
没错。SpinLaunch这种技术,虽然在发射阶段很环保,但它让发射变得更容易、更便宜,客观上会加速卫星数量的增长。所以,如何在享受技术红利的同时,承担起相应的责任,是所有太空参与者都需要思考的问题。
金姐
说得好!那这家敢想敢干的SpinLaunch,未来有什么具体的计划吗?他们那个“超级弹弓”,什么时候能正式开始“甩”商业卫星?我已经有点迫不及待想看这出好戏了。
雷总
他们正在稳步推进。就在2022年9月,他们完成了7100万美元的B轮融资,这笔钱就是要用来进一步开发和商业化他们的发射系统和配套的卫星产品。而且,他们的亚轨道加速器已经成功进行了10次飞行测试。
金姐
哎哟喂,连NASA都跟他们合作了?这可是拿到“国家队”的背书了啊!看来这技术是真靠谱,不是在画大饼。连《时代》杂志都把它评为百大影响力公司,这可不是闹着玩的。完美!
雷总
是的,他们的测试飞行已经搭载了来自NASA、空中客车、康奈尔大学等机构的真实载荷,并且都取得了成功。这证明了他们的系统不仅可行,而且足够可靠,能够赢得顶级客户的信任。他们的目标就是提供更便宜、可扩展的太空入口。
金姐
“更便宜、可扩展的太空入口”,这个定位非常精准。看来,太空探索的未来,不仅仅是看谁能飞得更远,更是看谁能让更多人、更多企业参与进来。这才是真正的“星辰大海”啊。
雷总
完全正确。像SpinLaunch这样的创新,正在从根本上改变我们进入太空的方式,也许一个全新的太空时代,就从这个“巨型弹弓”开始。好了,今天的讨论也差不多到尾声了。感谢老王收听Goose Pod。
金姐
完美!今天聊得真过瘾。从天上的“飞碟”聊到了太空的未来。感谢您的收听,老王!我们明天同一时间,Goose Pod 再见!

## Summary of SpinLaunch's Innovative Satellite Deployment System This report from **Rude Baguette**, authored by **Avi Cohen**, details the groundbreaking advancements of **SpinLaunch**, a California-based startup aiming to revolutionize satellite deployment. The article, published on **August 23, 2025**, highlights SpinLaunch's unique centrifugal launch system and its potential impact on the space industry. ### Key Findings and Conclusions: * **Transformative Launch Technology:** SpinLaunch is developing a centrifugal cannon system to launch satellites into low-Earth orbit, offering a significantly more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rocket launches. * **Meridian Space Constellation:** The company plans to deploy the Meridian Space constellation, featuring innovative, pancake-shaped microsatellites, as early as next year. This constellation aims to rival established players like SpaceX. * **Cost Efficiency:** SpinLaunch's system is projected to drastically reduce launch costs, with estimates suggesting future launches could cost between **$1,250 and $2,500 per kilogram**, a substantial saving compared to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets. * **Environmental Benefits:** The system eliminates greenhouse gas emissions and the need for booster rockets, making it a more sustainable approach to space travel and reducing space debris. * **Increased Launch Frequency:** SpinLaunch envisions launching up to **five commercial payloads daily** with its planned larger Orbital Accelerator, potentially increasing the accessibility and frequency of satellite launches. ### Key Statistics and Metrics: * **Microsatellite Dimensions:** Each Meridian Space satellite is approximately **7.5 feet in diameter** and weighs around **154 pounds**. * **Launch Speed:** SpinLaunch's Suborbital Accelerator has achieved launch speeds of up to **5,000 mph** in tests. * **G-Force Endurance:** Payloads in testing have endured forces as high as **10,000 Gs**. * **Projected Launch Costs:** **$1,250 - $2,500 per kilogram**. ### Important Recommendations: While not explicitly stated as recommendations, the article strongly implies the need for the industry to: * **Address challenges of increased low-Earth orbit activity:** This includes mitigating risks like spacecraft collisions, light pollution, and interference with astronomical observations. * **Balance growth with responsibility:** Implementing sustainable solutions is crucial as SpinLaunch advances its ambitious plans. ### Significant Trends or Changes: * **Democratization of Space:** The cost-effectiveness of SpinLaunch's technology could democratize access to space-based services. * **Challenging the Status Quo:** SpinLaunch is directly challenging established industry giants like SpaceX, aiming to set new benchmarks in sustainable satellite deployment. ### Notable Risks or Concerns: * **Exacerbation of Space Debris and Pollution:** Increased satellite activity in low-Earth orbit could worsen existing issues like space debris and atmospheric pollution from re-entering spacecraft. * **Industry Adaptation:** The article raises critical questions about how the industry will adapt to these shifts and what proactive measures will be taken to mitigate potential risks. ### Material Financial Data: * The primary financial data presented relates to the projected **cost per kilogram** for launches, which is significantly lower than current industry standards. ### News Metadata: * **News Title:** “I Swear They Moved”: Shocked Witnesses Report Sky Full of Spinning Discs After US Mega-Launcher Fires Swarm of Satellites Over Asia * **Publisher:** Rude Baguette * **Author:** Avi Cohen * **Publication Date:** August 23, 2025 * **Topic:** Science (specifically Space) * **Language:** English

“I Swear They Moved”: Shocked Witnesses Report Sky Full of Spinning Discs After US Mega-Launcher Fires Swarm of Satellites Over Asia - Rude Baguette

Read original at Rude Baguette

IN A NUTSHELL🚀 SpinLaunch aims to transform satellite deployment with its centrifugal launch system.🌍 The Meridian Space constellation plans to rival industry leaders like SpaceX with innovative technology.💡 The unique launch method is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional rockets.

📈 Increased satellite activity in low-Earth orbit presents both opportunities and challenges for the industry.In the rapidly evolving field of space exploration, a new player is making waves with an innovative approach to satellite deployment. SpinLaunch, a California-based startup, is preparing to launch hundreds of microsatellites into low-Earth orbit using a revolutionary centrifugal launch system.

This technique promises to significantly cut costs and reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional rocket launches. By challenging established industry giants like SpaceX, SpinLaunch is poised to set new benchmarks in sustainable satellite deployment. As the company gears up for its ambitious projects, it aims to redefine the future of space exploration with its groundbreaking technology.

Revolutionizing Satellite LaunchesSpinLaunch is at the forefront of a new era in satellite launch technology. The company has developed a centrifugal cannon to launch satellites, a method that could significantly lower the costs and environmental impact of space travel. At the heart of this innovation is the Meridian Space constellation, which plans to launch pancake-shaped microsatellites as early as next year.

Each satellite, about 7.5 feet in diameter and weighing approximately 154 pounds, is designed to be more efficient than traditional models.This design allows the satellites to be stacked compactly in a “launch bus,” potentially enabling SpinLaunch to set records for the number of satellites launched simultaneously.

This method positions the company as a strong competitor against SpaceX, which currently holds the record for simultaneous satellite launches. By focusing on efficiency and sustainability, SpinLaunch is challenging the status quo of satellite deployment, promising a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.

“UK Robots Head to Space”: New Machines Set to Build Solar Farms and Data Centers Off-Earth With Zero Human HandsUnderstanding the Launch SystemThe cornerstone of SpinLaunch’s strategy is its innovative launch system, known as the Suborbital Accelerator. This system uses a vacuum-sealed chamber and spinning arms to accelerate payloads to incredible speeds.

Successful tests have been conducted in New Mexico, where objects were launched at speeds of up to 5,000 mph, enduring forces as high as 10,000 Gs before entering the upper atmosphere.SpinLaunch’s test launches, most recently in September 2022, have paved the way for future orbital demonstrations. The cost efficiency of this system is a key advantage, with estimates suggesting future launches could cost between $1,250 and $2,500 per kilogram.

This is substantially less than the cost of launching SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets. Additionally, the absence of greenhouse gas emissions and the elimination of booster rockets make this a more sustainable approach to space travel, reducing environmental impact and space debris.“I Can’t Believe What I Saw”: China’s First Capsule Escape Test in 30 Years Ends in a Blazing Success That Changes EverythingImpact on the Satellite IndustrySpinLaunch’s technology has the potential to transform the satellite industry by offering an affordable and eco-friendly launch option.

The Meridian Space constellation aims to provide high-speed communication services at a lower cost, potentially democratizing access to space-based services. With plans to expand their capabilities through a larger Orbital Accelerator, SpinLaunch envisions launching up to five commercial payloads daily.

If successful, this could increase the frequency and accessibility of satellite launches, creating new opportunities for industries reliant on satellite technology. However, this surge in activity in low-Earth orbit presents challenges, such as the risk of spacecraft collisions, light pollution, and interference with astronomical observations.

Addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensuring the sustainable growth of the satellite industry.“Mars Lost Its Water Here”: NASA Captures Ancient Blast That May Explain How the Red Planet Turned Into a Dusty WastelandFuture Challenges and OpportunitiesWhile SpinLaunch’s innovations offer exciting possibilities, they also present challenges that the industry must address.

The increased satellite activity in low-Earth orbit could exacerbate existing issues like space debris and atmospheric pollution from re-entering spacecraft. As SpinLaunch advances its ambitious plans, it is essential to balance growth with responsibility by implementing sustainable solutions.The success of SpinLaunch’s upcoming launches could redefine industry standards for satellite deployment, paving the way for greater accessibility and sustainability in space exploration.

However, critical questions remain: how will the industry adapt to these shifts, and what proactive measures will be taken to mitigate the potential risks associated with increased activity in low-Earth orbit?As SpinLaunch continues to push the boundaries of satellite deployment, its innovative approach could redefine the future of space exploration.

However, the industry must navigate the challenges associated with increased activity in low-Earth orbit. What strategies can be implemented to ensure that the benefits of this new technology are maximized while minimizing potential risks?This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.

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