Formation flying with magnets

Read more:
http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn13846

A computer animation shows how electromagnets can help spacecraft fly in precise formation (Courtesy of Benjamin Schweighart and the MIT Space Systems Lab)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• space
• magnets
• formation
• flying
• new
• scientist
• newscientist

[SamHjA]

Neat concept - I suspect if the Wright Brothers had commissioned a computer animation before making their first plane, it would have also looked unfeasible. However, I thought it was a pity that in spite of their huge budget and brains behind the concept, they still got a spelling typo for 'Reaction' (2:09)! Let's hope the guys who build the prototype get it checked.

[Twodaystogo]

the temp in spcae is allready cold right?

[felderup]

@Twodaystogo because of the two ways of measuring heat, direct measure of the waves/energy given off, and the motion of atoms/molecules, the temperature measurements disagree. there's so little stuff in space that you can't feel the heat to measure it, so it's cold, but the motion of atoms and molecules say it's several thousand degrees out there.

[Seedsofthought]

Im not sure what video tries to convey but Propulsion in space can be acheived through the use of a gyro.

[R4D4full]

@xk445g

mormons can explain it to you

[xk445g]

Magnets are cool, but how do they work?

[Xmus44]

dancing robots in space!! i like it

[Lundix]

I might have a sprained boredom O.o

[GhostInTheShell29]

@chillymunster oh.. right... i completely forgot electric motors are useless for propulsion if you don't have an atmosphere or ground to push off of.... two things space lacks.... nvm what i said its a good idea then :p

[chillymunster]

@GhostInTheShell29 magnets require no fuel. this is more practical. though, they might just end up losing them when they get too far from each other. i was hoping they would be able to propel themselves with their magnetic rings...

[Razgrits]

@Twodaystogo I think that depends... it should be really hot when the sun is facing you and really cold behind the shadow of a planet.