how to maintain gravity in space if possible
2007-04-02 05:49:31 · 10 answers · asked by anwar b 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
We don't have a way to actually "maintain" or create gravity in space. However, there are ways we can simulate gravity. For instance, if we build our space station like a ring (for the purpose of making this example simple) and we spin it, then everyone in the ring will feel an apparent force, due to the centripetal acceleration, drawing them to the outside of the ring that would be very similar to gravity.
Also, if we're on a ship that needs to travel through space, and we wish to reach a certain speed, then we need to accelerate the ship to that speed. If we accelerate at 1 G (9.8m/s^2), the force from the acceleration would feel just like gravity.
2007-04-02 05:58:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the best way to do that is to build the space station in the shape of a wagon wheel. Once the assembly is completed, fire some small propulsion rockets briefly and set the wheel spinning around slowly on its axis. That would produce an artificial gravity within the space station which could approach the gravity on Earth if the speed was closely set and maintained.
2007-04-02 13:56:40 · answer #2 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a difference between centrifugal force due to spin and that of gravity. In the first instance the force is due to mechanical action whereas in the second the force is brought about by changing physical time in space.
Were a person desirous of forming a temporary gravitational field in a space station, they could do so by following the equation for forming a gravitational field. This equation is part of the physics trilogy: E = mc2, m = E/c2, and c2 = E/m the last of the three being that for a field of gravity or a field of time - the two are the same.
What this equation states is that were a person to have a large mass, and were it to have no energy within (heat energy) then the mass would have no gravitational field. Were a person to heat the same mass so that the resulting pressure within the mass increased, then a gravitational field would form.
There is a short, easy to read writing at http://360.yahoo.com/noddarc "An Experiment You Can Help With" that concerns an experiment in outer space which would prove c2 = E/m to be correct or not.
2007-04-02 13:05:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Right now they do not. There is no gravity on any of the space stations or shuttles.
One way of achieving gravity is to spin the station.
2007-04-05 14:53:56 · answer #4 · answered by Tenebra98 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to make it like a huge bicycle wheel with the living quarters being in the circular section which is constantly spinning. They are much to complicated and expensive to build so we don't have any gravity on the ISS.
2007-04-02 12:54:44 · answer #5 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Spinning it creates an artificial gravity. Centripedal force can be made to feel like gravity.
2007-04-02 12:54:34 · answer #6 · answered by Brian L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You put a mass with a huge density is the center of the ship.
2007-04-02 13:15:33 · answer #7 · answered by mikerichards1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
by accelerating the space ship.
2007-04-02 13:07:00 · answer #8 · answered by gjmb1960 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's pictures of two examples . . .
http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1015/5091-127mptv.jpg.html?path=gallery&path_key=0062622&seq=37
http://www.imdb.com/gallery/ss/0105946/Ss/0105946/21189PRPHOTO3.jpg.html?path=gallery&path_key=0105946
2007-04-02 13:32:03 · answer #9 · answered by RationalThinker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spin it.
2007-04-02 12:53:24 · answer #10 · answered by Joe M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋