U.S. Rotating Cannon Launches Hundreds of Pancake-Shaped Satellites Into Space, Triggering Total Alert in China Over New American Dominance in Low Earth Orbit

Written by Felipe Alves da Silva

Published on 14/06/2025 at 22:10

Tecnologia centrífuga da SpinLaunch permite lançamentos múltiplos com baixo custo e sem foguetes

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American Startup Surprises with Centrifugal Launch System That Sends Stacked Mini Satellites to Space at Low Cost and Without Rockets, Challenging Traditional Models and Triggering Warning Signs Among Competing Powers

In June 2025, the American startup SpinLaunch conducted new tests with its high-speed rotating cannon, capable of launching hundreds of satellites into low Earth orbit. The system, which replaces rockets with centrifugal propulsion, has drawn attention from countries like China, which issued a real-scale alert regarding the impacts of this innovation on global strategic balance.

The rotating cannon developed by the California-based SpinLaunch utilizes a vacuum-sealed chamber and rotating arms to accelerate objects to speeds exceeding 8,000 km/h. Instead of fossil fuel or boosters, the system spins satellites until they reach enough force to be fired into the upper atmosphere.

As a result, the so-called “pancake satellites” — flat disks approximately 2.3 meters in diameter and 70 kg — are stacked like in a “launch bus” and ejected in series. This compact format reduces the total volume and enables multiple launches, promising up to 20 times more efficiency compared to conventional rockets.

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Revolution in Satellite Launching

Another advantage of the project is scalability. The company plans to build a larger version of the orbital cannon, capable of conducting up to five commercial launches per day. If realized, this system could allow the formation of communication megaconstellations in record time.

This model also promises to generate less space debris, as there are no disposable stages or additional orbital engines. However, the speed at which the technology can place dozens or hundreds of objects into orbit raises concerns among space agencies and astronomical observatories.

With the increasing density of satellites in low orbit, risks of collisions and interference in communications and scientific observations arise. The alert issued by Chinese authorities even mentions the possibility of orbital saturation and long-term military and commercial impacts.

International Reaction and Next Steps

China characterized the innovation as a “disruptive technological leap” and warned of the need for international norms regarding mass launches. Chinese military sources expressed concerns about the dual-use of the technology, which could also serve as a platform for defense or surveillance payloads.

In the United States, the Department of Defense has already conducted tests with the technology in partnership with SpinLaunch. Although the project has a civil and commercial focus, the strategic potential of the innovation is still under assessment by national security entities.

The first constellation planned by the company, named Meridian Space, will have applications in low-latency telecommunications. The first orbital-scale launches are expected in 2026, with ambitious goals for global coverage in less than three years.

The SpinLaunch project has been highlighted in specialized publications such as TechCrunch and Space.com, as well as technical reports released by the company itself in 2024 and 2025. The Chinese alerts were reported by agencies such as South China Morning Post and Global Times, with additional coverage in institutional defense and science channels.

U.S. Rotating Cannon Launches Hundreds of Pancake-Shaped Satellites Into Space, Triggering Total Alert in China Over New American Dominance in Low Earth Orbit

American Startup Surprises with Centrifugal Launch System That Sends Stacked Mini Satellites to Space at Low Cost and Without Rockets, Challenging Traditional Models and Triggering Warning Signs Among Competing Powers

Revolution in Satellite Launching

International Reaction and Next Steps

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U.S. Rotating Cannon Launches Hundreds of Pancake-Shaped Satellites Into Space, Triggering Total Alert in China Over New American Dominance in Low Earth Orbit

American Startup Surprises with Centrifugal Launch System That Sends Stacked Mini Satellites to Space at Low Cost and Without Rockets, Challenging Traditional Models and Triggering Warning Signs Among Competing Powers

Revolution in Satellite Launching

International Reaction and Next Steps

A village with 115 inhabitants wants new residents: it offers a house, a job, up to 44 thousand euros in benefits, almost free rent, an annual grant of 8 thousand euros for 3 years, and a 20 thousand euro incentive for businesses in the mountains of Italy.

NASA is offering US$ 750,000 to people from anywhere in the world who solve a problem that could decide survival on Mars: creating food for astronauts without relying on resupply from Earth.

New microwave that can replace three appliances hits the market: Sharp launches 3-in-1 model that combines air fryer, convection oven, and heating in 0.9 cubic feet for small kitchens

While Brazil has been discussing bullet trains for 16 years, China delivers 5 new high-speed lines in 2026, surpasses 50,000 km of HSR, and moves 1 billion passengers in a single year.

Elon Musk’s internet comes to mobile: Starlink technology connects smartphones without an antenna via satellite, works even without carrier signal, already costs just US$10 extra in the US, and could arrive in Brazil as an included benefit.

With an 88-meter wingspan, a capacity of 250 tons, six engines, and 32 wheels, the Ukrainian giant became the greatest symbol of extreme air transport and one of the most impressive machines in aviation history.

Belgium will sink 23 giant concrete caissons, each weighing 22,000 tons, in the North Sea to build the world’s first artificial energy island 45 km off the coast, forming offshore electrical walls.

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