Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: LetoII on 12/06/2012 03:59:11

Title: How does an astronaut moving inside a spaceship affect the craft's own motion?
Post by: LetoII on 12/06/2012 03:59:11

i've seen a video of a guy running inside a satellite where there was a matras thingy sitting on the walls and a large stick in the centre which he could hold. i was wondering how his running in the satellite would affect the satellite asuming, let's say, it has the shape of a cilinder.
so to clear it up: he runs on 1 circle on the inside wall of the cilinder, i dont know the exact weight of the satellite but its much bigger than his own weight ofcourse.

Title: Re: running inside a satellite
Post by: CliffordK on 12/06/2012 06:06:11

Depending on the masses, one might bounce the orbiter around a bit.  Consider jumping up and down in a rowboat vs jumping in the Queen Mary II.

However, the net effect on orbital position will be zero because every action is countered by an equal and opposite action (holding onto the pole, or bouncing on the opposite wall).

Could you induce a temporary spin by turning a treadmill track for a period of time, then eventually stopping it (and stopping the spin), but perhaps pointing in a different direction.