3 ms·
That assumes the ship's radius is a limiting factor. It isn't if you spin the ship against a counterweight with a tether (the spent third stage which is going w
by iwwr 11y ago
That assumes the ship's radius is a limiting factor. It isn't if you spin the ship against a counterweight with a tether (the spent third stage which is going with you on the same trajectory more or less).
- imglorp 11y agoYes, especially if you keep half your fuel/water/supplies in that tethered section. Consume at differing rates to shift CG where you want it.
- iwwr 11y agoWell, there's no "consume" in terms of matter, stuff isn't thrown overboard. Besides, the food and water (or what they become) is still valuable radiation shielding.
- imglorp 11y agoWell, I think the whole point of fuel is you want to throw it overboard :-) ... at high velocity and on fire.
- iwwr 11y agoThe tethering happens after the upper lift stage is exhausted. It's then spun from a tether for the duration of the trip, then disconnected before the deceleration burn to orbit Mars. There's no mass exchange while the tether is connected.