Skyhook (structure)

Skyhook (structure)

Skyhooks are a theoretical class of tether propulsion intended to lift payloads to high altitudes and speeds. The name skyhook is a reference to an imaginary hook that hangs from the sky.

Plausible near-term proposals for skyhooks include designs that employ tethers spinning at hypersonic speeds for catching payloads from very high speed, high altitude aircraft and placing them in orbit.

There are also hypothetical skyhooks that are intended to be used for non-rocket spacelaunch into orbit, for example, a space elevator.

Another concept is orbital rings with geostationary 'spokes'.