| 摘要 |
<p>A propulsion system for a body derives momentum from expelled mass. By rotating the engine (24) from which the mass is expelled along a circular trajectory and expelling the mass in an inward direction with respect to that trajectory, a greater impulse is applied to the engine (24). This enables more efficient use to be made of the mass available for expulsion. The invention has utility in connection with the correction of the orbit of a satellite, which carries a finite mass for course correction. Solar power, which is plentiful and predictable, but difficult to harness in a manner which enables it to be used for course correction, can be used to power rotation of the engines (24).</p> |
