Orbital Mechanics

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Benji
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Orbital Mechanics

Post by Benji »

Okay, we all probably know that if you're in orbit and you fire your rocket(s) in your direction of travel (slow down), you'll lower your orbit (or re-enter). If you fire it in the direction you just came from (speeding up), you'll go to a higher orbit.

But what if you fired your rocket straight up (that is, you're pointing away from Earth) or straight down (spacecraft pointing towards Earth)? Anybody know?
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Post by monkeynautt »

You could always ask it when you get to Space Camp if no one knows. There is a briefing on orbital mechanics.
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Benji
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Post by Benji »

I'm always the king of that briefing if they ask us how a spacecraft stays in orbit. Most people have no clue. Plus, it's a good 162 days before I go back. I'm not in any rush, but I'd probably forget before then.

I've been thinking, though, and I have an idea about what might happen. Since I don't know that much about orbital mechanics, though, it's probably way off.
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Post by spacecampaddict28 »

I just asked my counselor and he isnt quite sure. He says if you have enough power you could escape orbit without orbiting first. Something like that anyway....i tried
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Benji
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Post by Benji »

Yeah, see, I'm thinkin' that if you have enough power, you'd escape orbit, but gravity and your current velocity would alter your course a bit. I made a little diagram:

Image
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Post by Space Camp Brainiac »

You know, that's a pretty helpful and educated diagram......And plus, it looks nice. About your question, Benji, I have no idea what to answer to that........I have learned something from this topic though....... :mrgreen:
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Post by Benji »

Yeha, but now I need somebody to tell me if it makes any sense. Maybe Dr. Thirsk can help when he comes.
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Post by Space Camp Brainiac »

Yeah, maybe. He'll probably know. He's an astronaut! And also, if you haven't seen my annoucement on the topic "How About a Live Interview With an Astronaut!", go see it! Yay! He's coming!!!!!! :D :D
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