instead of conventional propultion, would it be possible to keep a satellite in orbit by using solar cells to power the craft , and drive superconducters magneticly out of phase with the earths magnetic field.
2006-06-13 16:27:56 · 5 answers · asked by nicky 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Responses without sources aren't answers, just opinions.
A magnetic sail or magsail is a proposed method of spacecraft propulsion. A spacecraft would deploy a large loop of superconducting wire to generate a magnetic field, and possibly auxiliary loops for steering or to reduce radiation hazards from the charged particles. Magnetic sails are an attractive propulsion technology because calculations show that superconducting magnetic sails could have a better thrust-to-mass ratio than solar sails.
2006-06-13 19:12:33 · answer #1 · answered by James E 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Yes, but they don't need to be super-conducting.
You can make an Earth-powered generator by hanging a wire from a satellite in orbit. As it crosses field lines of the Earth's magnetic field, that will induce current in the wire. If instead you inject current into the wire, then you have made an electrical motor. The stator will be the Earth and the rotor (the moving part) will be the satellite. You can use this to maintain or even change your orbit.
This is well known, so don't bother trying to patent it!
2006-06-13 18:18:31 · answer #2 · answered by pondering_it_all 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-10 00:23:34 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you are confusing magnetism with gravitational pull. While the earth does have magnetic poles (which incidentally have reversed several times over the earth's history according to geological evidence) the gravitational pull is what one needs to overcome to remain in orbit.
2006-06-13 16:35:41 · answer #4 · answered by anonymourati 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-06-13 16:31:08 · answer #5 · answered by ecp007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋