About stabilizing a space rocket with a pendullum

  • Thread starter Thread starter simplex
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Rocket Space
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the stabilization of a rocket using pendulums, as proposed by team ARCA in the context of the Google Lunar X Prize. ARCA claims their rocket achieves passive stabilization in a vacuum through the swinging motion of pendulums in its lower stages. However, skepticism arises regarding the effectiveness of this method, as traditional stabilization typically relies on rotational gyroscopic motion rather than pendulum dynamics. Theoretical viability of the pendulum stabilization in a vacuum is questioned, with many asserting that it is not a practical solution. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexities of rocket stabilization techniques.
simplex
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
About stabilizing a space rocket using a pendullum

There exists a competition called Google Lunar X Prize whose main objective is sending a rocket to the Moon. One of the contenders, team ARCA, is ready to launch a rocket (not a Moon rocket) about which they claim to be passively stabilized in vacuum by the swinging movement of some pendulums (the lower stages of the rocket).

A self explicative nice animation regarding the rocket of ARCA and its stabilization method can be downloaded from the following address:
VIDEO:
http://www.arcaspace.ro/

QUESTION: Do you believe that the stabilization procedure in the animation could work in vacuum, at least theoretically?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
One does not stabilize a craft by pendulum motion, and it should be obvious why.

Rotational gyroscopic motion is the appropriate means.
 

Thread 'Space Stuff and Launch Info'

Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
View full post »

Similar threads

Rocket possible collision with Moon
Replies
19
Views
3K
Kerbal Space Program - Duna Rocket Launch
Replies
3
Views
4K
Kerbal Space Program - Rocket Design Basics
Replies
2
Views
9K
What is Kerbal Space Program game all about?
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Sticky
Kerbal Space Program Tutorial Series - Open Access to 1.7
Replies
48
Views
66K
Aaron's Gravitational Potential Energy to Launch Projectile Science Competition
Replies
9
Views
13K
Could women be better suited for long distance space travel?
Replies
48
Views
13K
Is the Future of Space Exploration Dependent on Nuclear Thermal Rockets?
Replies
1
Views
5K
Spaceships a'turnin round and round - in space
Replies
5
Views
5K
Geocentricism, could you comment on a conversation I had about it?
Replies
6
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top