- #1
ewflyer
- 5
- 0
Hello all,
My name's Greg. I'm an airline pilot (my day job) and a fiction writer (my hobby). Right now I'm working on a story that borders on science fiction (a first for me).
I've got a question: What is the upper limit on planet size (mass) that would effectively rule out putting satellites into orbit? (Given our current level of technology, materials available, and all the standard orbital considerations such as the planet's atmosphere and the lateral acceleration needed to remain in orbit)
It would seem that the Earth is very conveniently sized for us to put things into orbit. The Earth is (obviously) perfectly sized and situated for life (us) without being so massive as to prevent the launch of satellites, space missions, and space probes.
But if the planet were more massive wouldn't there would be a point beyond which you just couldn't construct a lift-vehicle to get to orbit? I mean, assuming you're working with the same Periodic Table of the Elements in your rocket fuel composition (no "unobtanium" types fuel or metal alloys allowed, or "nutty professor" technology for that matter).
Is this a subject that's been discussed in scientific circles? Is there information out there that touches on this? If anyone knows of sources I'd love to know about them.
My name's Greg. I'm an airline pilot (my day job) and a fiction writer (my hobby). Right now I'm working on a story that borders on science fiction (a first for me).
I've got a question: What is the upper limit on planet size (mass) that would effectively rule out putting satellites into orbit? (Given our current level of technology, materials available, and all the standard orbital considerations such as the planet's atmosphere and the lateral acceleration needed to remain in orbit)
It would seem that the Earth is very conveniently sized for us to put things into orbit. The Earth is (obviously) perfectly sized and situated for life (us) without being so massive as to prevent the launch of satellites, space missions, and space probes.
But if the planet were more massive wouldn't there would be a point beyond which you just couldn't construct a lift-vehicle to get to orbit? I mean, assuming you're working with the same Periodic Table of the Elements in your rocket fuel composition (no "unobtanium" types fuel or metal alloys allowed, or "nutty professor" technology for that matter).
Is this a subject that's been discussed in scientific circles? Is there information out there that touches on this? If anyone knows of sources I'd love to know about them.