A new, 50-foot magnetic levitation or maglev track demonstrates technologies that could dramatically reduce the cost of getting to space. At least not yet. But some high-tech roller coasters may already be using technology that could send future rockets flying into the great beyond. The technology is called magnetic levitation, or maglev. A maglev track uses magnetic fields to levitate and then 'push' a vehicle along a track at incredible speeds.
Tracks using powerful magnets to lift roller coasters and high-speed trains are already in use.
To get into space you need enough speed to overcome the force of Earth's gravity. Rockets do this by using lots of rocket fuel. But rocket fuel itself is very heavy. If the rocket were to begin its launch on a maglev track, it could be going very fast before the rockets were even ignited. That would save lots of fuel, making it easier, and cheaper to get into space.