[feoren]

GP has a point: consider the limiting case of an extremely long payload on an extremely short centrifuge arm. The payload is basically rotating around its own center of mass already, before release. Put your left index finger on the middle of your right arm, rotate the whole thing, and release -- you'll intuitively see that your right arm must keep rotating.

But see my other response above -- this does not seem like one of the bigger issues when the centrifuge arm is much longer than the payload. And we already know this launch system will only ever work for small, non-human, durable payloads.

[NovemberWhiskey]

>GP has a point: consider the limiting case of an extremely long payload on an extremely short centrifuge arm. The payload is basically rotating around its own center of mass already, before release.

But isn't the payload rotating around its own center of mass because the centripetal force acting on the "front" of the payload is not parallel with the centripetal force acting on the "rear" of the payload? As soon as you cease to apply the centripetal force (i.e. release the projectile) you're no longer going to generate any torque.

Imagine the payload being held by ropes on the back and on the front and then both ropes releasing exactly as its center of mass passes through horizontal.