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> This doesn't actually work. If you push something down in orbit, you just make its orbit elliptical. Came here to say this as well! The only caveat to that I
by craftinator 6y ago
> This doesn't actually work. If you push something down in orbit, you just make its orbit elliptical.
Came here to say this as well! The only caveat to that I can think of is if you're already low enough in orbit, the push making the satellite's orbit elliptical could put it in a drag zone, and then air would do the slowing down for you.
Also, thank you Neal Stephenson for introducing me to the wonderful would of orbital mechanics via Seveneves!
- narism 6y agoAlso plays a role in another of his books, Anathem.
- shkkmo 6y agoFor me, accidentally losing contact with the space ship during a Kerbal space walk taught me exactly how tricky manual orbital piloting is and inspired me to learn more. The Kerbal never got back to his ship before running out of propellant.