Electromagnetic guns and launchers

While we accelerate elementary particles and ions by the most advanced electromagnetic means, our standard techniques for propelling macroscopic objects—from birdshot to interplanetary vehicles—are not very different from those in use since the introduction of gunpowder from China. But propulsion by chemical combustion suffers from severe limitations that are keenly felt by people interested in space travel, inertial‐confinement fusion, and even such prosaic pursuits as artillery.