This might be a stupid question but I was wondering if a future craft similar
to this could use the ion propulsion unit to power the reaction wheels. And if
the rection wheels or gyros are powered up to full speed before the launch if
it could reduce the amount of energy neeeded? In addition a
The reaction wheels is powered by electricity from the solar panels. The
reason (as I understands it) to power down the reaction wheels is to
minimize the wear on bearings and motors.
Using the attitude jets for turning is just another way of aiming the
craft. What they have done is simply
Thankyou for your explaination! In a future mission energy can be added to the
probe with lasers masers or any other high energy beam to reduce the amount of
hydrazine needed and allow craft to gain energy in areas far from the sun . It
would be cheaper to beam it up after launch rather than
Hi Steve!
You still don't get it. The hydrazine isn't there for it's energy, it is
there as mass easily ejected by the rocket nozzle. There is no need for
beaming energy to a spacecraft as there is no easy way to store it and
you could collect it from the sun via solar panels. Actually,
http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/journal_11_30_10.asp
Dawn Journal
Dr. Marc Rayman
November 30, 2010
Dear Dawnizens of the Solar System,
Dawn is maintaining its smooth and steady course through the solar
system as it gradually closes in on Vesta. With the utmost patience and
persistence, it
5 matches
Mail list logo
