Gravitational Torque
In the context of aerospace engineering, gravitational torque refers to the rotational force exerted on a spacecraft due to the gravitational pull of a celestial body. This force is particularly significant when a spacecraft is in orbit around a planet or moon, as the gravitational pull can cause the spacecraft to rotate, altering its orientation or attitude. The magnitude of the gravitational torque depends on the mass distribution of the spacecraft, the distance from the center of mass of the spacecraft to the center of the celestial body, and the gravitational constant of the celestial body. Gravitational torque is a critical factor in the design and operation of spacecraft, as it can affect the stability of the spacecraft, its ability to maintain a desired orientation, and its ability to perform maneuvers. Engineers must take into account gravitational torque when designing control systems for spacecraft, and may use devices such as reaction wheels or control moment gyroscopes to counteract the effects of gravitational torque.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Spacecraft: A spacecraft is a vehicle designed to operate beyond the Earth's atmosphere, carrying crew and/or cargo into space. Spacecraft can be classified into two main categories: manned and unmanned. Manned spacecraft are designed to carry humans i ... Read More >>
- Solar Energy: Solar energy is the energy derived from the sun's radiation. It is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that can be harnessed through various technologies such as photovoltaic cells, solar thermal collectors, and concentrated solar ... Read More >>
- Analog-to-digital Converters: Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are electronic devices that convert continuous analog signals into discrete digital signals. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, ADCs are critical components of many systems, including ... Read More >>
Top News
Orionids meteor shower is this weekend: Where and when to watch its peak...
Orionids meteor shower is this weekend: Where and when to watch its peakgo.com...
News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-18
Acting or hosting, Travis Kelce wants to continue to pursue a showbiz career. Bu...
Travis Kelce is the host of “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?”...
News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-09
Now is a great time to see Saturn in all its ringed glory...
My first sight of Saturn through a telescope inspired my love of space. Dig out your telescopes or visit your local astronomy club, and you may be lucky enough to spot our sixth planet's stunning thic...
News Source: New Scientist on 2024-10-09
Was Bruce Willis right? Could a nuclear blast save us from killer asteroid?...
Scientists simulated a nuclear explosion using x-ray pulses to push an asteroid-like rock away in space-like conditions....
News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2024-10-04
China's answer to SpaceX's Starlink is also threatening astronomy...
The first 18 satellites of a planned Chinese mega constellation are brighter than all but 500 stars in the sky, raising fears of a huge impact on astronomy...
News Source: New Scientist on 2024-10-03