This project is based on the YouTube video in the links below. Watch it to get more information.

Questions

What is Δv?

Project #1

Create a simple interactive interplanetary flip-and-burn calculator.

The default start and end velocity is zero. To keep it simple assume the path (orbit) is a straight line.

Start with a menu. If you have time convert to a GUI.

User input:

• travel distance
• acceleration constant (0.1 to 10 G)

Output should include:

• distance traveled
• acceleration constant
• start and end velocity
• total travel time
• time from start to flip-and-burn
• speed at flip-and-burn

To see the calculator in the YouTube video click HERE .

Project #2

Allow the user to select a non-zero end velocity.

Project #3

Plot Brachistochrone curve(s). (See the Wikipedia article animations.)

Links

The Speed of Constant-Thrust Space Travel (YouTube)

Brachistochrone curve (Wikipedia)

Useful Formulas

Finds the distance traveled (d) of an object with an initial velocity of zero, acceleration (a), and time (t) traveled. The equation used is

d = 0.5 * a * t²

Finds the distance traveled (d) of an object with an initial velocity (v), acceleration (a), and time (t) traveled. The equation used is

d = (v * t) + (0.5 * a * t²)