slgn*
09-28-2004, 12:17 PM
Hi,
Saw this on Scientific American online: here (http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?articleID=00070374-FE82-1152-BE8283414B7F0000&catID=3)
Sept. 28, 2004
"Ask the Experts: How does the slingshot effect (or gravity assist) work to change the orbit of a spacecraft?" Jeremy B. Jones
"The orbit of a spacecraft is primarily determined by the gravity of a single large central body...
If the spacecraft flies “behind” the moon then the effect is an increase in the velocity (and orbital energy) of the spacecraft relative to the primary body, which gives the appearance of a slingshot throwing the spacecraft into a larger orbit...
It is interesting to note that spacecraft undergoing a gravity assist are only copying an effect that occurs on a regular basis in our solar system... "
...for any of you who might be interested.
Saw this on Scientific American online: here (http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?articleID=00070374-FE82-1152-BE8283414B7F0000&catID=3)
Sept. 28, 2004
"Ask the Experts: How does the slingshot effect (or gravity assist) work to change the orbit of a spacecraft?" Jeremy B. Jones
"The orbit of a spacecraft is primarily determined by the gravity of a single large central body...
If the spacecraft flies “behind” the moon then the effect is an increase in the velocity (and orbital energy) of the spacecraft relative to the primary body, which gives the appearance of a slingshot throwing the spacecraft into a larger orbit...
It is interesting to note that spacecraft undergoing a gravity assist are only copying an effect that occurs on a regular basis in our solar system... "
...for any of you who might be interested.