How Knot Theory Can Help Spacecraft Can Change Orbits Without Using Fuel
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
https://www.universetoday.com/166797/how-knot-theory-can-help-spacecraft-can-change-orbits-without-using-fuel/Open linkView original on lemmy.world
2 replies
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.
Right, I was responding to OPs comment with the article about putting satellites into final parking orbits when they run out of fuel.