When you are in zero gravity and you are holding a rope connected to a space station (which means you are moving at the same velocity as the station) and you let go of the rope, you will accelerate away from the station. It's called the Clooney Effect. (5) Comments
No no, I am not talking about the centrifugal force due to the orbiting around the Earth. This is due to the space object spinning around itself. Just like the Earth going around the Sun in addition to having a spin. We are not thrown into the space due to the centrifugal force of Earth's spin because gravity keeps everything in place. Space station's gravity is negligible compared to the effects of its spin. Hence Clooney is thrown outwards.
Centrifugal force don't apply here. Inertia maintained when you travel with the same speed and direction as the object you were connencted to in frictionless space. The space station and the astronauts were beyond perigee in an orbit wich means they were not affected by rotary forces of the planet. The ellepsis orbit comes from earth gravity but since there is neglectable friction in space you could only drift away by creating your own momentum.
I'm no physicist but I think that could still happen due to radial velocity. If the space station is continuing to move in an arc around the planet, and you let go, then you're left moving in a straight line.
There are fully working, operational empty space-stations just floating around up there, with no-body in them. They even left all the lights and computers on just in case someone drops by. (1) Comments
When you enter an unfamiliar space-station in an emergency situation, with death comings for you almost constantly, its a good idea to get out of your protective spacesuit as soon as possible. (1) Comments
When in doubt, the best way to choose between some important buttons is always performing the Eeny Meany Miny Moe ritual. You'll press the right button eventually.
Does the Chinese space station have a self-destruct button? (0) Comments
When floating away from the station, and your attached to a co-worker by a rope. You should take the empty jetpack off and push off from it back to the station. But to look like a hero, let go instead and commit suicide. It looks better on camera. (0) Comments