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Using Sling Shot Power to Hurl Into Orbit

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the still-wating-for-my-space-trebuchet dept.

the_2nd_coming writes "space.com has an article about a new application of a very old technology. NASA is putting money into Momentum-eXchange/Electrodynamic Reboost tether technology -- MXER for short -- an innovative concept that if implemented would station miles and miles of cart-wheeling cable in orbit around the Earth. Then, rotating like a giant sling, the cable would swoop down and pick up spacecraft in low orbits, then hurl them to higher orbits or even lob them onward to other planets."

2 of 310 comments (clear)

  1. SciFi does it again by PaulK · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It seems that the greatest two motivators of technology are SciFi authors, and sales people.

    This approach was used by Robert Heinlein in several books; it is a pleasure to see his vision honored.

    As for sales people, I can't count the number of times that I have had to create what they have sold.

  2. Degrading Orbit by sublimusasterisk · · Score: 5, Insightful


    I noticed on one of the diagrams that the orbit of the slingshot itself degrades after each launch pick-up. Maybe the decrease in orbit isn't very significant, but would this system require self-adjustment? How would the system stay in service over the long term?

    --
    True believers seek redemption from the sin of death.