The test tracks used for launch testing are the same ones cited as “for hyperloop testing” here (notice that the track mentioned in both is built by CASIC in Datong, Shanxi, is 2 km long, and is inside a low-vacuum tube). Space launch is a much more logical use for this kind of technology than rail transport. It’s nice to see that the same equipment can be used for research in such different fields.
This does mean that this track technically isn’t a “railgun”, as it uses magnetic levitation and not the Lorentz force for propulsion.
The test tracks used for launch testing are the same ones cited as “for hyperloop testing” here (notice that the track mentioned in both is built by CASIC in Datong, Shanxi, is 2 km long, and is inside a low-vacuum tube). Space launch is a much more logical use for this kind of technology than rail transport. It’s nice to see that the same equipment can be used for research in such different fields.
This does mean that this track technically isn’t a “railgun”, as it uses magnetic levitation and not the Lorentz force for propulsion.