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paul80808 | 10 months ago

Only if it is only spinning along one axis. Very likely to be spinning on multiple axis. That said, with enough money and effort I'm sure we could figure something out, like shooting it strategically with small projectiles to slow the spin, etc.

discuss

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WJW|10 months ago

Anything "spinning among multiple axes" is just spinning around a single compound axis? There's no reason for a spacecraft to limit itself to any earthbound reference frame when it comes to matching frame with an incoming body from outer space.

slavik81|10 months ago

In three dimensions, the rotation around one axis can affect the distribution of mass around other axes of rotation. That change in the moment of intertia causes acceleration, which can result in chaotic motion even without the addition of any outside forces.

darkerside|10 months ago

Does it really work this way? If the craft is rotating along any other axis than its direction of travel, wouldn't the matching craft have to be revolving around it, not just rotating?