Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Delta-v requirements for transfers in space are generally symmetrical. It takes the same amount of delta-v to go from Earth's orbit to Mars's orbit, for example, regardless of direction.

The one thing that changes this equation is aerobraking (or, when dealing with stuff whose structural integrity isn't important, lithobraking). Because drag works in one direction, that means that you can take advantage of it when arriving but not departing. For that reason, for example, it takes more delta-v to reach a transfer orbit to Mars from Earth than it takes to reach Earth from a transfer orbit to Mars. Technically that's not true, but when arriving at Earth, a great deal of delta-v can be provided by the atmosphere or the ground.



I see that now. Thank you.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: