Reaction Ferry

[simple_gifts]

I had never heard of these; could be a good lesson in a design class for thinking outside the box.

Reminds of that true? (probably not) story about NASA spending $50K USD to develop a pen that writes in zero gravity, while the Russians just use a pencil.

 

[ArrestMeRedZ]

Yeah, that pen story isn't true. The zero G pen was a privately developed invention by Fisher, who used his own money in the process. Both NASA and the Soviets used pencils prior to that pen's availability. Since pencils were flammable, and the lead could break and go who knows where, the pens were desired over pencils. In fact, both NASA and the Soviet space program bought the pens from the Fisher Pen Company. Under 3 bucks each (or $6 depending on your source) with volume discount. FWIW, NASA came under scrutiny for paying over $128 each for mechanical pencils before they went with the space pens.

Neat video on the reaction ferry.

 

[RayCJ]

This is similar to how a sailboat moves against a headwind.

 

[JLTD]

They've probably been doing it that way for centuries.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

Physics - The laws of the Universe.

Good video. Thanks for posting.

 

[kschachn]

Originally Posted by ArrestMeRedZ
Yeah, that pen story isn't true. The zero G pen was a privately developed invention by Fisher, who used his own money in the process. Both NASA and the Soviets used pencils prior to that pen's availability. Since pencils were flammable, and the lead could break and go who knows where, the pens were desired over pencils. In fact, both NASA and the Soviet space program bought the pens from the Fisher Pen Company. Under 3 bucks each (or $6 depending on your source) with volume discount. FWIW, NASA came under scrutiny for paying over $128 each for mechanical pencils before they went with the space pens.

Correct, a common false story often repeated. Graphite flakes in zero gravity are an inhalation hazard and both NASA and the Russians knew that.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

Here's another video showing a Birds-Eye View.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_G7C2qswfQ

 

[RayCJ]

LOL: Things might get interesting if the cable snapped!