Difference between revisions of "Gravitational tractor"
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A '''gravitational tractor''' is an object which influences the trajectory of an object in space through the force of [[gravity]] alone. It has been put forward as a method to deflect dangerous objects (such as [[asteroids]] or [[comets]] from [[Earth]]'s orbit.) | A '''gravitational tractor''' is an object which influences the trajectory of an object in space through the force of [[gravity]] alone. It has been put forward as a method to deflect dangerous objects (such as [[asteroids]] or [[comets]] from [[Earth]]'s orbit.) | ||
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| + | [[Image:GravitationalTractor.png|thumb|right|180px| schematic of a gravitational tractor]] | ||
It can be used to influence every object, independent from its chemical and structural properties. There are several methods of deflecting an icy comet, but only the gravitational tractor can be applied with a predictable result. Other methods are subject to some uncertainties arising from the unknown internal structure. For example, if an explosion is used to influences the trajectory, the result depends on the comet's ability to absorb the applied energy with the transformation into heat. The same unpredictable result applies to the attempt to influences the trajectory with the deliberate impact of a massy body. | It can be used to influence every object, independent from its chemical and structural properties. There are several methods of deflecting an icy comet, but only the gravitational tractor can be applied with a predictable result. Other methods are subject to some uncertainties arising from the unknown internal structure. For example, if an explosion is used to influences the trajectory, the result depends on the comet's ability to absorb the applied energy with the transformation into heat. The same unpredictable result applies to the attempt to influences the trajectory with the deliberate impact of a massy body. | ||
Revision as of 04:31, 6 February 2008
A gravitational tractor is an object which influences the trajectory of an object in space through the force of gravity alone. It has been put forward as a method to deflect dangerous objects (such as asteroids or comets from Earth's orbit.)
It can be used to influence every object, independent from its chemical and structural properties. There are several methods of deflecting an icy comet, but only the gravitational tractor can be applied with a predictable result. Other methods are subject to some uncertainties arising from the unknown internal structure. For example, if an explosion is used to influences the trajectory, the result depends on the comet's ability to absorb the applied energy with the transformation into heat. The same unpredictable result applies to the attempt to influences the trajectory with the deliberate impact of a massy body.
Requirements
Such an object must be of sufficient mass to noticeably affect the target object.
The tractor needs a means of propulsion strong enough to counter the force of gravity between itself and the target.
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