Spacecraft can ‘brake’ in space using drag − advancing craft agility, space safety and planetary missions

When you put your hand outside a moving car window, you feel A force of payment against you is called clouds. This force opposes a mobile vehicle, which is part of the reason why your car turns off naturally to stop if you take your foot out of the fuel pedal. But clouds do not slow the cars.

Aviation engineers use a cloud force in space to develop more spacecraft and fuel -efficient missions, and the Deorbit spacecraft without creating a lot ScrapAnd even the place Investigations in orbit on other planets.

Space is not a complete vacuum – at least not all. Atmosphere It becomes thinner with heightBut she has enough 620 miles (1000 km).

as Professor of Aviation EngineeringStudy how clouds affect the movement of spacecraft in orbit. FunAs the name suggests, it is a type of maneuver that uses delicate air in space to apply the force of clouds in the opposite direction of the spacecraft, such as braking in the car.

Equipment change

In space, air can change the orbit of the spacecraft while reducing the use of the payment and fuel system.

The spacecraft that revolves around the Earth does so in Two types of orbits: Circular and Ililji. in Circular orbitThe spacecraft is always at the same distance from the center of the Earth. As a result, it always moves at the same speed. The elliptical orbit is extended, and therefore the distance from the ground – and the speed that the craft moves change – changes as the spacecraft travels along the orbit.

The closest point is called in an oval orbit around the Earth, where the satellite or the spacecraft moves faster Freedom. It is called the farthest point, where the slower moves, Gray.

The general idea behind the antenna is to start in a large circular orbit and the spacecraft maneuver in a very oval orbit, so that the lowest point is in the orbit – in the most intense part of the upper atmosphere. For the ground, this ranges between about 62 and 310 miles (100 and 500 km), with a choice depending on the time required to complete the orbit change.

With the passage of the spacecraft through this lower point, the air exercises a pulling force on it, which reduces the orbit extension over time. This force pulls the craft towards a circular orbit smaller than the original orbit.

The first maneuver puts the spacecraft in an oval orbit so that the clouds can require the use of the payment system and some fuel. But as soon as it is in the elliptical orbit, pull out of the atmosphere slowing the craft, and does not need to use much, if any,.

The air brings a craft of large orbit to a small orbit and cannot be reversed – it cannot increase the size of the orbit. Increased orbit or lifting the spacecraft to the orbit of the highest payment and fuel.

Have uses

A common condition where the air spacecraft control units are used when changing the orbit of the craft from Geographical orbit Geographical – to a Low Earth orbitLiu. The geographical orbit is a circular orbit at an altitude of about 22236 miles (35786 km). In Geo, the spacecraft is made one orbit around the Earth within 24 hours, and thus the spacecraft always remains above the same point on the surface of the Earth.

Before the air, the alienation system is pushed on board the spacecraft in the opposite direction of the geographical orbit movement. This payment places it in an oval orbit. The craft passes through the air several times, which eventually revolves around the orbit.

Once you reach the Leo, the spacecraft may need a little fuel to push itself to its target orbit. Usually, the lowest point in the original elliptical orbit is less than the circular orbit.

This process is similar to a conceptual point of view Using X-37B US Force FORCE in early 2025.

The American space force stated that it has Unmanned Spaceplane, X-37BAerobic is used. This test showed light movement and maneuvering.

Another air application is to make the Deorbit spacecraft – or re -insert the atmosphere – after it stopped working. In this way, the company or agency can get rid of spacecraft and avoid Unwanted creation of spaceBecause it will burn in the lower atmosphere.

The air missions between the planets

A few duties of Mars, including Mars survey orbit and Mars Odyssey OrbiterUse the air to reach its target orbits around the Red Planet.

For missions between planets such as these, air scientists are used in conjunction with the plane payment system. When the spacecraft reaches Mars, it does so in Plus.

Unlike a circular orbit or elliptical orbit, the spacecraft path in the ostensic orbit will not remain around Mars. Instead, Mars will fly and leave – unless the payment system is used from his payment system to obtain “arrest” in a closed, closed orbit.

As the spacecraft arrives in Mars, the payment system on the plane launches the force needed to pick up the spacecraft into an e -shape around Mars. Once captured, scientists use the airbag on several tropical passes by air to achieve the final orbit in general, which is continuous.

Aerobic maneuvers can lead to great fuel savings. With people approaching Landing on the roof of the Red PlanetIt can provide fuel savings that have been enabled by the bronchi and allow every spacecraft to Mars to take more supplies.

In the big bow of space exploration, the air is not just a maneuver. It has a decisive role that he plays in the future of space operations, planetary missions and colonialism.

This article has been republished from ConversationAn independent, non -profit news organization brings you facts and trusted analysis to help you understand our complex world. Written by: Bush Mahataand West Virginia University

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PIIUUUUUUH Mehta receives funding from multiple federal agencies – NASA, NSF, Noa, IARPA, and DOD.