# Giant Slingshot: New Way to Space? By Ian Cooke | Published 2006-05-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-slingshot-new-way-to-space References: [boingboing.net](http://www.boingboing.net/2006/05/09/giant_slingshot_new_.html) & [defensetech.org](http://www.defensetech.org/archives/002387.html) "All [space projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-project) get into orbit pretty much the same way – by burning lots of rocket fuel, a spaceship powers itself past the sky. But what if there was a different approach? What if we could throw something so hard, it would wind up in space? At [NASA's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-glenn-1) behest, Ed Schmidt and Mark Bundy of the [Army Research Lab](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spee3d-emu) are looking at ways of firing projectiles into orbit." - Defense Tech **Implications** - XX. I will be curious to see how much success these space-shooting missions will generate in comparison to the traditional space rocket launch. I can say with confidence that no levels of success will ever be enough to convince me to be willing to risk my life by stepping into this giant slingshot. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Orbital Projectile Launching:** Exploring the potential of launching projectiles into orbit as an alternative to traditional rocket launches presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the space industry. - **Space Launch Technology Advancements:** Further research and development into alternative methods of launching objects into space, such as the giant slingshot, could disrupt the current space industry and lead to new technological breakthroughs. - **Military-space Technology Crossover:** The collaboration between NASA and the Army Research Lab to develop the giant slingshot technology could lead to cross-industry innovation and disruption in both the military and space industries. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Space Industry:** Exploring alternative launch methods presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the traditional rocket-based space industry. - **Military Industry:** Developing the giant slingshot with NASA presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the military industry, specifically in the area of space technology. - **Aerospace Industry:** The development of new space launch technology, such as the giant slingshot, has the potential to disrupt the current aerospace industry and lead to new advancements in the field. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Space Travel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-elevator-concept.md) - [Hypersonic Launch Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle.md) - [Space-Inspired Toy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-collections.md) - [Revolutionary Reusable Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-rockets.md) - [Space Exploration Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-launch.md) - [Space-Launching Science Missions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-glenn-1.md) - [Eco-Friendly Nano Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbex-prime.md) - [Enamel Technology-Forward Space Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-project.md) - [Artificial Meteor Shower Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meteor-shower-display.md)