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From: kevin@voder.UUCP (The Last Bugfighter)
Newsgroups: net.movies,net.sf-lovers
Subject: Re: 2010 review review
Message-ID: <562@voder.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 13-Dec-84 17:14:57 EST
Article-I.D.: voder.562
Posted: Thu Dec 13 17:14:57 1984
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>   Much of the science of "2010" is questionable in the face of what we
> knew, know and are learning.  A new star appears in the solar system and
> the earth escapes without a tremor.  The Leonov embarks without enough
> fuel to either return or slow down.  They do "air braking" (without air)
> to slow Leonov as she whips around the planet and into a new orbit.
> How's that for science friction. 

   Questionable?  To who?  Yes a new star does appear and if it popped up out
of nowhere there would be problems - but it didn't, the mass of a currently
exsisting object (one which many scientists believe is a failed star due to
insufficient mass) was increased until it collapses inwards and the pressure
ignites nuclear fusion and bingo!  Besides, it stands to reason that the ones
creating the new star would have checked things out to insure there would be
no catalysmic consequences.
   The Leonov had just enough fuel to go to Jupiter and return provided she
stuck to her previously computed schedule and left Jupiter when the Earth
was in the right position, the "launch window" mentioned in the film.  Due
to the warning they have to leave NOW, not in two weeks when the Earth will
be in the right position, but NOW.  And for that there was insufficient fuel.
   Aero-braking is a valid concept, although I don't think the film was
accurate as to the duration of the braking event.  Any planet with an atmo-
sphere has various layers depending on the types of gases found.  The Earth's
layer of hydrogen and helium extend for many miles beyond it's oxygen layer
and Jupiter is practically all atmosphere.  Although thin at the Leonov's
altitude it's thick enough, considering the Leonov's speed, to create con-
siderable drag.  The approach is computed to "skim" through this layer, slowing
the ship down just enough so it has the proper orbital velocity as it leaves
the atmospheric drag.

-- 
Kevin Thompson   {ucbvax,ihnp4!nsc}!voder!kevin

"It's sort of a threat, you see.  I've never been very good at them
  myself but I'm told they can be very effective."