understanding 'gravity losses'

[spacester]

Yes, I admitted making a minor error, and I also made the mistake of saying something nice to you, in terms of saying that I learned something from you. I didn't really, I was just being nice. Not a mistake you're going to make, huh?<br /><br />You are trying to extend my graciousness and willingness to admit when I'm wrong - wrong on a minor point in this case - to making me look wrong in general on the subject. Very nice. (Jon Clarke wanted examples of elitism, here's another, Jon)<br /><br />You won't waste any time on this subject because you cannot go back to that thread and substantiate your earlier statement on this thread. <br /><br />I invite anyone else to go look at that thread and see what I'm talking about.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[webtaz99]

Instead of throwing rocks at each other, how about posting some links to the info, so that we can all learn about and understand "gravity losses"? <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[dan_casale]

Sounds like a very educational thread. Can you provide a like or a clue to find it?

 

[drwayne]

The thread is titled something like "Escape Velocity to Mars"<br /><br />Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>

 

[drwayne]

The first post of which is this:<br /><br />Link <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>

 

[barrykirk]

I'm making an assumption here, but my off the cuff first <br />guess would be that the gravity losses would be <br />related to the sine of the angle between the thrust <br />vector and the tangent to the gravity gradient. <br /><br />Forl angles less than 1 degree, the gravity losses would<br />be less than 2 percent. That isn't too bad.