Capturing an asteroid

Crown · Post by **Crown** » 2003-01-06 12:25am

Well then I am at a loss as to what he is refering to?

Illuminatus Primus · Post by **Illuminatus Primus** » 2003-01-06 12:52am

Crown wrote:
Darth Wong wrote:I don't know who wrote that article, but ICBM's cannot escape Earth gravity. They make sub-orbital BALLISTIC trajectories.
Ahh, just off the top of my head ICBM's are capable to 'reach orbit' however prohibated by some treaty or another so that they are forced to follow ballistic trajectories (30min travel time) instead of faster LEO. It was something that was bashed out between the USA and USSR back in the day. Remember the first ICBM was the same rocket that launched Sputnik

But as to capture an asteroid on course to Earth one would want to speed it up, rather than slow it down. This is using simple Keplernian orbit mechanics. Of course this is nulled it the asteroid is on a hyper-bolic trajectory, then the prudent thing would be to either speed it up so that it doesn't hit us, knock it out of the way so it doesn't hit us, or hide in a very deep hole with years worth of food supplies

The treaty said we could not put nukes into orbit or space in general.

This meant no EMP sats or Fractional Orbit Bombardment Systems.

Crown · Post by **Crown** » 2003-01-06 12:55am

Yes but it also covered (not sure of the same treaty) that warheads could not be delivered via a 'backdoor orbit strike' since it would be quicker or some such. Since I can't properly find the reference I will let this point go, however the fact that the first Sattelite was put into orbit the first ICBM, the point is mute (I think).

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2003-01-06 01:03am

Not really. The ability to put a satellite into orbit is insignificant next to the power of the Force. Or, to be more precise, the ability to go much higher and farther than a low-orbital satellite which can be seen with the naked eye from ground level (as Sputnik was).

Crown · Post by **Crown** » 2003-01-06 01:13am

So by saying 'escaping Earth's gravity' you meant that lietterally rather than saying 'placing something into orbit'. Okay I am a dumb-ass.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2003-01-06 01:26am

Well, you would have to go a long way to intercept an asteroid which is not already in Earth orbit and capture it.

Crown · Post by **Crown** » 2003-01-06 01:32am

Yes, yes, I think I will shut up for a while.....

kojikun · Post by **kojikun** » 2003-01-06 10:27am

While the 3A asteroids are indeed not satellites of earth, they orbit in near earth orbits. Some (I believe the Aton group) cross to below 1 AU during their orbits. The 3As would be ideal for mining and such. But thats entirely off topic