How a space craft can be successfully sent to Pluto and return back to the Earth , focus on spacecraft trajectory, effect of gravity on the space craft , obstacles and problems along the way and time required for a space craft to make a round trip.
2006-08-04 05:55:41 · 7 answers · asked by Mary S 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Are you asking somebody to write an entire essay just for your enjoyment (because that's what it would take to answer your question), or is this a homework assignment you're too lazy to do yourself?
2006-08-04 05:58:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How? Assuming you had to work with the shuttles we have... ok:
First you'd need to increase the fuel capacity of the shuttle, by quite a bit, perhaps towing extra fuel... or perhaps it would be time to break out the solar sail NASA's been toying with for years.
Then you'd have to increase the craft's supply and storage space, to contain more food and initial water, since even recycled some water is lost over time. More space for hydroponic and other air conversion equipment would be required. I suspect that the crew would have to be knocked down in size to make up for all this.
Very important: increased shielding would be needed since the trip would be much longer and exposure to X-ray and other cosmic particles would be increased.
As far as orbital dynamics, very likely the preffered method would be a solar slingshot orbit going out, then another slingshot off of whatever gas giants would be encountered on return.
And, oh yeah, lots more entertainment gear would need to be packed to keep the folks from going bonkers.
None of this is going to happen for a while. And I have a feeling there isn't much at Pluto worth seeing. Let's try Mars first.
2006-08-04 13:07:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A space shuttle can not go to Pluto because it is not designed for that. For the most efficient trajectory, you must solve some equations. Minimize time, weight, and required fuel. A trajectory should not be in the plane of the ecliptic to avoid asteroid-related risks. When solving equations, gravity is just one of the main factors. Astronauts have to have enough supplies for the time of flight. The longer the flight, the more supplies are needed, the more fuel is needed for the flight. To reduce time it takes for the round trip, more fuel is necessary. Without using equations, solving the problem is close to impossible.
2006-08-04 13:04:43 · answer #3 · answered by Duke 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We can launch a spaceship to Pluto only if we are able to design a ship which can bear the speed little faster than light because we see hear that light takes so much yrs. to come earth from Pluto in a rectilinear path. Since we will have to go in a curvilinear path we should go in very very much faster speed than light that you can imagine how fast! So let's hope that such a ship is designed in the near future. If not both of us will complete this dream of the scientists. HaHaHa......
2006-08-04 13:13:02 · answer #4 · answered by Gogs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a round trip is not possible. It can only go one way. I would imagine that Jupiter is a challenge when it comes to gravitational calculations - LOL!
They did launch something to Pluto however, it will take appoximately 9 years to reach Pluto, traveling at the speed of a bullet.
2006-08-04 13:00:38 · answer #5 · answered by Jerry H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's funny you should ask, I am in the middle of writing my thesis on this very subject. It won't be complete until some time in September, but then add a couple of weeks for edits by my advisor. So ask me again end of Sept. and I will send you a copy.
2006-08-04 13:02:09 · answer #6 · answered by pablo h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not gonna happen.
Pluto is a long, long, LONG way from Cape Kennedy.
2006-08-04 13:01:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋