Satellites and gravity

Dylan · April 8, 2009

Here is a little Java applet that is quite fun, showing the difficulties of achieving a perfect orbit.

http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/applets/satellites.html

Just click, move and let go.

I got one in a low-level orbit for about 10 minutes before it deteriorated and crashed into the earth.

Also note passing too close to the moon screws it all up

Dom1878 · April 8, 2009

I got a pretty good one going...more slingshotting around the earth, going way out of its way, but coming back and repeating...

Dom1878 · April 8, 2009

Yesss got one about 1cm away from the earth, perfect circle

heatmeiser · April 8, 2009

Thought this said 'Satellites and Gravy'.

Bit disappointed tbh.

Can't do it either. Yet.

TX Bill · April 8, 2009

My satellites have all crashed and burned.

No Everton for you this weekend.

Adamefc1 · April 9, 2009

Ive got 6 on the go at the same time

Dylan · April 9, 2009

And my wife has completely outdone me. 25 minutes and counting!

NeoNaoNeo · April 9, 2009

This is gonna be a dumbarse question...

but I'll come out with it.

How exactly do they keep satellites in orbit? :unsure:

I assume playing the game would illuminate the process?

McBain · April 9, 2009

Ive got another dumbarse question....Whats up with this game? It doesnt do anything other than stop when I click on it?

I wish there was a 'thats gone over my head' smilie

Whitebootman · April 9, 2009

Work on hold now till I crack this, I can see a busy few days next week catching up on what I should be doing today. Thanks mate. :lol:

Bundy · April 9, 2009

It's all about the law of probability, just click 100 times and one of them is going to go perfect. I've had about 20 or so in orbit for about 20 mins.

Whitebootman · April 9, 2009

OK got it, slight pull from the moon takes it slightly off course but then it corrects itself. Seems stable after a few minutes. I'll get some work done today after all. Cheers. (y)

Blue_in_london · April 9, 2009

Thanks - I'm going to get a lot done at work today!

Not.

Blue_in_london · April 9, 2009

9 minutes - still going...

Cahill's Metatarsal · April 9, 2009

It really should make a proper game of it & tell you exactly how long it's been going for so that you can set yourself/your mates challenges to beat. Mine's been going for about 10 minutes, it keeps varying between really close on 1 side & far away on the other & looking like it's about to crash & evening out to a nice circle with it's centre around the centre of the earth, if that makes sense