Re:Freeman Dyson: Gravitational Machines
by Robotbeat on Friday June 09, 2023 @10:12AM
(#36258088)
A large mass is dropped on the right trajectory between the two, the gravitational forces slingshot it back at higher velocity, which can be captured with some sort of electromagnetic regenerative braking mechanism. Just a toy idea for how energy can be extracted.
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It's an established technology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_assist
there is nothing speculative about it
Opposite is true also: it's possible to add energy into three body system and increase distance between them (antigraviation). In principle, spherical gradient of gravitation creates possibility to increase orbit using only energy and interaction between masses even in two body system (if smaller body can change it shape and distibution of mass to simulate three body system). I had idea of such aparatus when I was student 30 years ago, but then I forgot the details.