A Different Kind of Space Race
In a field dominated by billionaire-led ventures like SpaceX and Blue Origin, Oakland-based Longshot Space is taking a fundamentally different—and deceptively simple—approach to space access. Founded in 2020 by CEO Mike Grace and CTO Nathan Saichek, the
company is bypassing the complexities of traditional rocketry. Instead of building ever-more sophisticated engines that burn millions of kilograms of propellant, they are developing a ground-based kinetic launch system. Their vision involves a massive, miles-long tube that uses bursts of compressed gas to accelerate a payload to hypersonic speeds, effectively flinging it most of the way to orbit. The goal is to dramatically lower the cost and increase the frequency of launches, creating what they describe as a piece of civil infrastructure for space rather than a high-stakes, single-use vehicle.
How to Shoot for the Stars
The concept of a 'space gun' isn't new, with historical precedents like the V-3 cannon and Project HARP exploring similar ideas. However, Longshot's innovation lies in its 'multi-injection' technique. A payload vehicle with a long, tapered tail travels down the launch tube. Instead of a single explosive push from behind, precisely timed jets of compressed gas are fired from ports along the side of the barrel, squeezing the tail and pushing the projectile forward—much like squeezing toothpaste from a tube. This series of smaller pushes allows the projectile to accelerate to speeds faster than the gas itself, a key breakthrough that could enable it to reach the Mach 23 velocity needed for orbital insertion. Prototypes have already achieved speeds over Mach 4, proving the core physics are sound.
The Earth-Based Advantage
By keeping the primary launch infrastructure on the ground, Longshot aims to solve several of rocketry’s biggest problems. The accelerator itself is reusable by design, and since it relies on compressed gas (initially air, later hydrogen) instead of combustion, it offers a more environmentally friendly pathway to space. This approach promises a radical reduction in cost, with some estimates targeting as low as $10 per kilogram to orbit. The 'safely' in the company's pitch refers to both the payload and the process. By making the launch tube extremely long—potentially over 10 kilometers—the immense acceleration is spread out over time. This results in G-forces that, while high, are within the tolerance of modern electronics, making the ride less violent than a sudden, explosive launch.
From Hypersonic Testing to Orbit
Building a ten-kilometer-long space cannon is a monumental engineering challenge that requires enormous capital. To bridge the gap, Longshot has adopted a strategic, two-phase business model. The first market is hypersonic testing. The U.S. military and its contractors currently spend millions per test flight for hypersonic weapons and materials. Longshot can provide this capability for a fraction of the cost—around $150,000 to $250,000 per launch—using a shorter version of its accelerator. This provides a near-term revenue stream and a real-world environment to prove its technology. The success and funding from this defense-focused work will then fuel the company's ultimate ambition: building the full-scale orbital launch system.
A True Longshot?
Despite its promising technology, the company faces stiff competition and significant hurdles. Other startups like SpinLaunch are pursuing different types of kinetic systems, while industry giants like SpaceX continue to drive down the cost of conventional rocket launches. Longshot has secured over $20 million in funding from venture capitalists and government contracts, including support from the U.S. Air Force, but will need substantially more to realize its orbital ambitions. The engineering leap from a Mach 5 hypersonic testbed to a Mach 23 orbital cannon is immense, requiring a move to a more remote location like Nevada or even Australia for the final system. The company’s name itself acknowledges the audacity of its mission, but if successful, it could fundamentally change the economics of accessing space.
