🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Sep27.151420.6690@aio.jsc.nasa.gov>, tes@nomad.uucp (Thomas E. Smith [LORAL]) writes:
>I don't know what the specifics of this plan would be, (I leave this to the 
>interested student :) ), but let's ignite Venus's atmosphere on the opposite
>side that it moves in its orbit, and use the escaping air as propultion. We
>kill two birds with one stone :)  (note: this should be done over a large
>surface area to reduce geological turmoil.)

You have neither sufficient fuel nor oxidant for ignition of the atmosphere.

>Another plan I have (as long as I'm already off the deep end) is ignite
>Jupiter's atmosphere. It would be easier since it has all that hydrogen in it.
>Use this propultion to slow Jupiter way down, causing it to fall towards
>Venus. If done correctly this maneuver will sling shot Venus to an eccentric
>orbit out past Earth. As Jupiter swings around the sun, it will encounter Venus
>on its next orbit and swing Venus around into a nearly circular Earth-like
>orbit. If were lucky, the close encounters will strip much of Venus's
>atmosphere.

Here, while you have lots of fuel, you don't have any oxidant.

>Well, what do you think?

I think you should, at the very least, take a course in chemistry.
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Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL

Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.