Abstract: To solve the problem of ever-increasing cost of getting to space and the need for safe, reliable, and inexpensive ways to access space, a magnetic launch assist concept and its benefits were described and discussed. Primary magnetic launch assist system configuration and each subsystem functions were analyzed. By comparing the capability of electromagnetic suspension (EMS) system with that of electrodynamic suspension (EDS) system, the result indicates EDS is a more reasonable magnetic levitation system scheme applied to magnetic launch assist. The linear motor power supply system is found a difficulty after the launch assist energy requirement was analyzed, and needs to be attentively resolved. By using a general flight trajectory analysis method, the feasibility and characteristic of horizontal takeoff single stage to orbit (SSTO) vehicle with ground launch assist were shown. Having compared with other space launch assist methods, magnetic launch assist has some superiority on sending more payloads to low earth orbit and decreasing launch cost.