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  #18  
Old October 3rd 19, 03:23 PM posted to sci.space.policy
David Spain
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Posts: 2,901
Default Two Starships in "bolas" rotation

I have an update for you Niklas.

Here's a fellow (smallstars) who has proposed an artificial gravity
system based on the same physical principles you rely on but uses a
third Starship as a cargo and axis vehicle that holds an bi-directional
extruding truss system to attach the remaining two crewed Starships. The
rigid structure allows each Starship to pivot on its own pitch axis to
align them for a short Raptor burn to initiate and terminate rotation.
Then they can pivot so that the pitch axis aligns with the rotational
hub to provide the artificial gravity within the Starship for the months
long journey outbound and inbound. At either destination the crewed
Starships detach from the hub for landing. The hub ship also lands
robotically for refueling and reuse.

See:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CRiJTJikjk

Dave