Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Yair Doza on 27/03/2010 15:34:13

Title: Farting in space - will it propel you forward?
Post by: Yair Doza on 27/03/2010 15:34:13

Listening to one of the previous podcast, there was a discussion on your weight and internal gas.
It reminded me of the book 'Moonshot' about Apollo 11. Apparently the diet of the astronauts caused a lot of fats, so much so the Buzz Aldrin suggested to turn off the thrusters and do it themselves. I was wandering, when the Apollo 11 astronauts were farting in space with no gravity, were they actually moving forward or not. Any idea?  Thanks Yair

Title: Farting in space - will it propel you forward?
Post by: graham.d on 27/03/2010 16:03:25

Well not if the fart was contained inside the space suit. It would have to vent in a specific direction, then it would cause propulsion.

Title: Farting in space - will it propel you forward?
Post by: Yair Doza on 27/03/2010 17:05:57

as I understand the astronauts were not wearing space suits during most of the voyage. So they'll have 'space' trousers on. Then perhaps the were propelled by the escaping 'gases'?

Title: Farting in space - will it propel you forward?
Post by: Geezer on 27/03/2010 19:03:26

Quote from: graham.d on 27/03/2010 16:03:25

Well not if the fart was contained inside the space suit. It would have to vent in a specific direction, then it would cause propulsion.

If it was contained inside the space suit, it would not cause propulsion, but it might cause revulsion  [;D]

Title: Farting in space - will it propel you forward?
Post by: yor_on on 28/03/2010 04:38:34

Remind me to ask about the air conditioning..