Abstract As a possible alternative to rockets, the present article describes a new type of engine for space travel, based on the gravity-assist concept for space propulsion. The new engine is to a great extent inspired by the conversion of rotational angular momentum to orbital angular momentum occurring in tidal locking between astronomical bodies. It is also greatly influenced by Minovitch׳s gravity-assist concept, which has revolutionized modern space technology, and without which the deep-space probes to the outer planets and beyond would not have been possible. Two of the three gravitating bodies in Minovitch׳s concept are in the gravity-assist engine discussed in this article replaced by an extremely massive ‘springbell׳ (in principle a spinning dumbbell with a powerful spring) incorporated into the spacecraft itself, and creating a three-body interaction when orbiting around a gravitating body. This makes gravity-assist propulsion possible without having to find suitably aligned astronomical bodies. Detailed numerical simulations are presented, showing how an actual spacecraft can use a ca 10-m diameter springbell engine in order to leave the earth׳s gravitational field and enter an escape trajectory towards interplanetary destinations.

    Highlights A new method for rocket-free propulsion of spacecraft, inspired by tidal locking. Uses forces in onboard spring to complement force from external gravitational body. Extensive, high-precision computer simulations of the three-body problem involved.


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    Title :

    Gravity-assist engine for space propulsion


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 99 ; 99-110


    Publication date :

    2014-02-15


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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