California startup unveils maglev-inspired system to achieve hypersonic speeds, reduce propellant use, and enable rapid-response space access
Auriga Space has just raised $6 million to develop an innovative launch system that replaces a traditional first-stage booster with a ground-based electromagnetic track.
- Seed funding: $4.6 million closed at the start of 2025
- Government support: $1.4 million in AFWERX and SpaceWERX awards
Background on Launch Inefficiency
Conventional rockets spend the bulk of their mass on propellant, much of which is burned simply to overcome Earth’s gravity and atmospheric drag.
- Mass fraction: Less than 2% of a typical rocket’s mass reaches orbit
- Cost driver: Fuel weight and single-use stages inflate prices
“Our ultimate goal is to make space launch more efficient,” says Winnie Lai, founder and CEO.
How the Electromagnetic Track Works
Auriga’s design resembles a railgun or maglev train, but operates at unprecedented voltages and power levels.
- Acceleration: Rockets reach over Mach 6 before engine ignition
- Launch ramp: A steep final segment ensures the vehicle exits at hypersonic speed
- Reusability: All ground-based components can be rapidly reset for the next launch
Technological Advances and Viability
Although electromagnetic launch concepts date back decades, recent breakthroughs in power electronics have made them viable:
- Higher-voltage components withstand extreme currents
- Rapid switching enables precise control of magnetic fields
- Modular track segments simplify scaling and maintenance
Funding and Partnerships
The $6 million infusion includes:
- $4.6 million seed equity led by OTB Ventures
- $1.4 million in AFWERX & SpaceWERX contracts
- Support from Trucks Venture Capital and Seraphim Space
Auriga has now accumulated $12.2 million across venture and Department of Defense grants.
Vehicle and Payload Considerations
High-G forces on a very long track could stress sensitive payloads:
- Initial studies show many satellite components can survive higher G-loads than standard tests assume
- Custom fixtures may be added to support delicate instruments
- Track length can be extended to reduce peak g-forces
“Just like munitions and missile tests endure extreme G’s, our payloads can too—if needed, we simply lengthen the track,” Lai notes.
Phased Development Plan
Auriga will roll out its technology in three stages:
- Prometheus: Indoor lab-scale track for component testing (Phase II SBIR fund)
- Thor: Outdoor facility for full-scale hypersonic trials
- Zeus: The ultimate orbital launcher
Each facility will offer versatile testing—aerodynamic, weather, and impact assessments—at lower cost and higher cadence than existing infrastructure.
Enabling Responsive Launch
With rising demand from the U.S. Space Force for “responsive” or on-demand orbital access, Auriga aims to cut launch prep from days to minutes.
- Comparable demos: Firefly Space’s 24-hour notice rocket launch
- Auriga’s vision: “Order a launch like an Uber,” says Lai, “and have it ready in minutes.”
Looking Ahead
Auriga is finalizing its full system architecture, including precise tunnel length and vehicle dimensions. The company expects to conduct its first Prometheus tests in early 2026, followed by Thunder trials at Thor later that year.
By leveraging electromagnetic acceleration, fully reusable ground assets, and modular infrastructure, Auriga Space could redefine cost, cadence, and responsiveness in space launch.
