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How Knot Theory Can Help Spacecraft Can Change Orbits Without Using Fuel (www.universetoday.com)

submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

3 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Pretty interesting topic, would be interesting if it could be used to move satellites to a "parking orbit" once they run out of fuel. It's unclear just how much movement in an orbit that can be done, as it says it needs to be in the same energy level.

Source press release: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/new-technique-uses-knot-theory-create-tube-map-around-planets-and-moons

Source journal article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42064-024-0201-0

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I would be surprised if this could be used to put a satellite into a graveyard orbit. Missions usually use the last of their fuel to do that, and this technique assumes there's a common energy between the orbits, which means you cant use this technique on something with a maneuver.

I would be curious if they could refine the technique to remove that restriction.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Seems to only work with N body type situations, meaning you wouldn’t likely see any possibilities in LEO or even GEO. This is more for systems like Jupiter or Saturn where you have lots of moons you can play with.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

Right, I was responding to OPs comment with the article about putting satellites into final parking orbits when they run out of fuel.