Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: Robert A Cook PE; Red Badger; SunkenCiv

Matching the orbits is not a small task. You don’t just speed up from behind and catch up. When you speed up it changes the orbit, for example speeding up in a circular orbit will change the orbit to an elliptical orbit. A maneuver known as a “transfer orbit maneuver will have to be performed, likely a Hohmann transfer orbit maneuver. This will likely involve at least two motor burns. The first burn will move from a circular orbit into an elliptical orbit. Then with the right time delay a second burn will slow the spacecraft from the elliptical orbit back into a circular orbit, and hopefully right next to the target satellite.


6 posted on 07/08/2026 1:20:40 PM PDT by MtnClimber (For photos of scenery, wildlife and climbing, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies ]


To: MtnClimber

True. Matching orbits is “complex”. Energy heavy and mass heavy (thrusters and fuel and controllers) if you’re going in a short time. Very slow otherwise.


7 posted on 07/08/2026 2:15:19 PM PDT by Robert A Cook PE
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]

To: MtnClimber

One of the first Gemini astronaut test pilots “invented” the math and methods for his PhD. Then went into orbit and proved his method worked


8 posted on 07/08/2026 2:17:28 PM PDT by Robert A Cook PE
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]

To: MtnClimber

I hope it works. I believe it will.


10 posted on 07/08/2026 5:11:43 PM PDT by telescope115 (Ad Astra, Ad Deum…)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson