An improved method of gravicraft propulsion.

Gratus, Jonathan and Tucker, Robin (2003) An improved method of gravicraft propulsion. Acta Astronautica, 53 (3). pp. 161-172. ISSN 0094-5765

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Abstract

There is an interaction between gravitational tidal forces and the instantaneous moment of inertia of any massive extended body. A mechanism that changes the altitude of a spacecraft orbiting a central mass by periodically changing its instantaneous moment of inertia tensor is discussed. This can be achieved most simply by connecting two bodies with a tether of adjustable length and does not rely on any chemical propellant. By using a series of reasonable approximations, a formula for the rate of change of height is given in terms of accessible data. This formula predicts that by suitably varying the length of a 50 km connecting tether a connected system can rise at about 300 m an hour in low earth orbit.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Acta Astronautica
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/researchoutput/libraryofcongress/qc
Subjects:
?? AEROSPACE ENGINEERINGQC PHYSICS ??
ID Code:
10560
Deposited By:
Users 810 not found.
Deposited On:
17 Jul 2008 14:17
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
21 Sep 2023 00:26