3 ms·
The moon has large enough density variations that you can't analyze low orbits as though it's just a point mass.
by zardo 3y ago
The moon has large enough density variations that you can't analyze low orbits as though it's just a point mass.
- WalterBright 3y agoYes, I know about the masscons, but it seems highly unlikely they'll be just at the right point. It's hard to believe that any object given a single impulse at ground level, in a vacuum, is not going to hit the moon again in one orbit (unless it is given escape velocity). Masscons did perturb the Apollo missions enough that they had to switch to a doppler radio to navigate accurately.
- rini17 3y agoDon't forget electric fields are involved too on Moon. They are strong enough to levitate the dust sometimes.