Spacecraft "could surf gravitational tubes"

Spacecraft "could surf gravitational tubes"

www.telegraph .co.uk

Scientists in the US are trying to map the twisting "tubes" so they can be used to cut the cost of space travel.

Each one acts like a gravitational version of the Gulf Stream, created from the complex interplay of forces between planets and moons.

Scientists unveil plan designed to cut cost of space travel Depicted by computer graphics, the pathways can look like strands of spaghetti that

Professor Shane Ross, from Virginia Tech university, said: "The idea is there are low energy pathwayswrap around planetary bodies and snake between them.

(visit the link for the full news article)



[edit on 11-9-2009 by Wildbob77]

[edit on 9/11/2009 by semperfortis]

This is pretty far out stuff.

I love it when the professors spend their time really exploring the outer limits of our knowledge.

This is far different than trying to bring enough fuel from the surface of our planet to burn while exploring our little solar system.

I wonder if these pathways can lead to other solar systems?

This should be interesting to follow in the years to come.



www.telegraph .co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

Weird, there was a half page section on this in one of the main Irish newspapers today as well. Whats the deal with that.

Pretty cool stuff all the same.

Already posted here:

www.abovetopsecret.com...

reply to post by Ecidemon


Sorry

Bob

reply to post by Ecidemon


Board rules allow for a thread in breaking news and a thread in another section, its all good.

Another sc-fi theme coming to life!