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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on April 18, 2009, 17:38

Title: Space Sails Could Bring Used Rockets Back To Earth
Post by: sam on April 18, 2009, 17:38
Quote
THE risk to spacecraft from a collision with space debris could be reduced by equipping launchers with a gossamer-thin "sail". The idea is to deploy the sail after the rocket has released its payload to amplify the drag of the last vestiges of the atmosphere, and so force the rocket out of orbit.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227045.900-space-sail-could-bring-used-rockets-back-to-earth.html
Title: Re: Space Sails Could Bring Used Rockets Back To Earth
Post by: Simon on April 18, 2009, 17:47
Personally, I'd be more concerned about where they landed when they come back to Earth.   :)
Title: Re: Space Sails Could Bring Used Rockets Back To Earth
Post by: sam on April 18, 2009, 18:29
I think the idea is to let it burn up in the Earth's atmosphere.

As for bringing things down - they are quite good at bringing them down in 'right' place.
Title: Re: Space Sails Could Bring Used Rockets Back To Earth
Post by: Simon on April 18, 2009, 19:34
The Houses of Parliament would be a good landing spot!  :devil:
Title: Re: Space Sails Could Bring Used Rockets Back To Earth
Post by: captainhaddock on April 18, 2009, 19:44
Not exactly a new idea, think it was Larry Niven first proposed it but I may be wrong, I usually am  ;D
Title: Re: Space Sails Could Bring Used Rockets Back To Earth
Post by: sam on April 18, 2009, 23:36
oh, most ideas aren't normally new ones...
Title: Re: Space Sails Could Bring Used Rockets Back To Earth
Post by: Simon on April 19, 2009, 00:09
Not exactly a new idea, think it was Larry Niven first proposed it but I may be wrong, I usually am  ;D

Oi!  I'm the one who's always wrong around here, and I have exclusive rights to it!  :out:  ;D
Title: Re: Space Sails Could Bring Used Rockets Back To Earth
Post by: captainhaddock on April 19, 2009, 08:15
 ;D