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?
Orbital Mechanics
Moderator: Vincent
Orbital Mechanics
Ad astra per aspera.
- monkeynautt
- Counselor
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You could always ask it when you get to Space Camp if no one knows. There is a briefing on orbital mechanics.
-Laura
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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.
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.
Ad astra per aspera.
- spacecampaddict28
- HabForum Junkie
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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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- Space Camp Brainiac
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