The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #118591   Message #2566742
Posted By: Rapparee
14-Feb-09 - 10:36 AM
Thread Name: BS: Oops! (Russian-American Space Crash)
Subject: RE: BS: Russian-American Space Crash
No, because things are in higher or lower orbit. As the orbits decay (the object in orbit "falls" closer to Earth, mostly due to the pull of gravity) its velocity will increase and its orbit intersect that of another object.

Tie a weight to string, hold the string, and then whirl the weight in front of you -- as the string's length shortens the weight faster and in a smaller circle. Do this with one string/weight in each hand and you'll get an idea of the problem (as well as improving your coordination). Better, have a friend whirl the other one while facing you.