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Isn't it more about changing trajectory without spending fuel? You don't gain or lose momentum in an absolute sense because there is no absolute sense. Play K
by hashkb 6y ago
Isn't it more about changing trajectory without spending fuel? You don't gain or lose momentum in an absolute sense because there is no absolute sense.
Play KSP.
- caseymarquis 6y agoThe size of your orbit is proportional to the energy of your spacecraft. Use manuever nodes to change the trajectory of your encounter with a planet like Eve, and notice how massively you can change the total size of your orbit (up or down, depending on the direction of the encounter). This implies a significant change in your energy during the encounter. This is from your gentle collision with the planet through its gravity field. Everyone should play KSP. :)
- WJW 6y agoYou absolutely gain or lose momentum from the gravity assist, even in KSP. Changing trajectory is just a side effect.
- z3t4 6y agoThink of it maybe as a skateboarder in a skateboard park where each pit is a planet, but because there is no friction, the skater does not lose speed, nor gain speed, relative to the skateboard park (solar system).