OK, this is dumb, but it’s gone through my head a couple times. I’ve seen a few science fiction movies and shows where the people in the spaceship use a gravity assist and lean into the turns like they’re driving NASCAR or riding a roller coaster.

I think they wouldn’t feel the acceleration (vector change) because gravity is doing the acceleration on every molecule and there would be nothing to lean against. I’m often wrong though. Someone smarter than I am have some insight?

EDIT: For what it’s worth, I guess I shouldn’t have used the Expanse clip as it upset some people. I just used it for an example of what I was asking. The question is this: Under little or no thrusters, would you feel a gravity assist? Even a radical one that changes your direction 90 degrees and greatly increases your velocity?

  • @[email protected]
    16•1 year ago

    There is missing context for the scene from The Expanse. Alex (the pilot) gets the computer to plot a course using manoeuvring thrusters only, so it is not just a series of gravity assists, there is also manoeuvring to adjust course.

    I would say that one of two things (or both) is happening:

    1. Alex is leaning because of the manoeuvring thrusters firing
    2. He is leaning like someone trying to steer harder in a video game.

    Also, he drinks a fair few beers while hiding behind Cyllene before this, so that would support 2 I think.