The need to conserve

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, "Combs, Mike"
>
> From: spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Robert
>
> > the only way something like this would have a chance of working
> > is if their non rotational sections were connected via some sort
> > of transport system. then when you sent a certain mass one way,
> > the same size mass would go the other way.
>
> Actually, there'd be no need for a same-size counterbalancing
mass. The
> vehicle would be decelerated by the same amount at its destination
as it
> would have been accelerated from its origin. As long as the vehicle
> never left the structure, the momentum of the overall structure
would
> remain unchanged.
>
only if its a solid structure. in the vaccume of space, its possible
that you could have two or more station connected by solid, but
lightweight frame. that would keep them apart, independant of each
other, allow more give and take of the system, likely resulting in
less fuel needed for orentations. interesting idea.