It’s no secret that getting to the moon is expensive, and the fuel cost is one of the primary reasons. That’s why reducing it has been one of the primary objectives. Now it seems that scientists have found a way to reduce fuel costs by using a more economical route.
A new study published in the journal Astrodynamics has mapped out a new route from Earth’s orbit to the Moon’s, one that could meaningfully reduce mission costs. The trick is a cosmic pit stop at a gravitational balance point sitting between the two bodies, called the L1 Lagrange point.
The new route saves at least 58.80 m/s of fuel compared to the most efficient paths previously described. That number might not sound dramatic, but as lead researcher Allan Kardec de Almeida Júnior puts it, “every meter per second equates to a massive amount of fuel consumption” in space travel.
How did they find this route?
The team used a mathematical framework called the Theory of Functional Connections, which dramatically reduces the computing power needed to simulate spacecraft trajectories.
That efficiency allowed them to run 30 million different route simulations, compared to the 280,000 in a previous benchmark study. More simulations meant a better chance of finding a more fuel-efficient route, and that’s exactly what happened.
Astrodynamics
The most cost-effective route turned out to use the branch of the gravitational corridor that passes near the Moon first, which is counterintuitive since the spacecraft is traveling from Earth, not toward it.
The reason it works is that passing close to the Moon allows the spacecraft to take advantage of a gravity assist, reducing the fuel needed to enter the intermediate orbit.
What’s the advantage of L1 Lagrange point pit stop?
Once a spacecraft enters the L1 Lagrange point, it can hold its position indefinitely using a control system, waiting until the mission is ready to proceed to lunar orbit. Unlike a direct trajectory, this intermediate orbit keeps the spacecraft in continuous communication with both Earth and the Moon, which is a massive advantage.
Astrodynamics
The researchers also said that adding the Sun’s gravitational influence to their simulations could unlock even greater fuel savings, though that would require planning for a specific launch date.
With hundreds of space missions expected in near future, a more fuel-efficient route means more payload, lower costs, and ultimately more missions that can greatly increase our rate of success.
The arrival of another weekend means another opportunity for some escapism, and what better genre to provide that than science fiction and fantasy? Their advanced CGI capabilities, detailed lore, and ability to explore complex social issues in an allegorical setting are unbeatable at delivering on escapist entertainment, and that’s where we’re headed.
As you unwind this weekend, flip over to Amazon Prime Video and get lost in another world with these three proven sci-fi/fantasy shows to stream in the U.S.—our top pick being a surprisingly engaging reimagining of a classic historical legend.
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The Magicians
A darker Harry Potter story for adults
With over 60 episodes across 5 spectacular seasons to immerse yourself in, The Magicians is a fantastic dark fantasy/sci-fi series based on the trilogy novels by Lev Grossman about a group of friends who discover that magic is real and adventurous but not always like you’d expect.
Quentin Coldwater (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Jason Ralph) is a highly intelligent but socially withdrawn 20-something-year-old secretly obsessed with a series of fantasy novels he read as a child about a magical land called Fillory. Outside of that, his life is super dull… until he’s mysteriously admitted to a secret, exclusive college of magic in Upstate New York. There, he’s introduced to a thorough, rigorous education in the practice of modern sorcery, but the gift doesn’t bring the happiness, adventure, and meaning he thought it would. When he and his friends discover that the otherworldly Fillory really exists, their entire lives change in a flash.
While the magic is fun and all, the focus here lies on the consequences of using it and the complex emotions of series characters, who are flawed and navigating trauma. Fans of the genre will love the show’s witty, sometimes hedonistic take on magic education and fantasy tropes, which the show does a spectacular job of subverting by showing that magic is fickle and guarantees nothing. Furthermore, its blend of serious emotional stakes with whimsical meta absurdity and world-building makes it even more unique.
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Humans
Blurred lines between humans and machines
A sci-fi must-watch for fans of the genre, Humans is based on the Swedish award-winning drama Real Humans, which explores themes of artificial intelligence sentience, human-robot interactions, AI effects on the future of humanity, and defining humanity in a way that feels topical and thought-provoking.
Set in a parallel universe where technology is highly advanced, and life-like humanoids called Synths are the must-have machines for every household, the core story follows a small group of sentients trying to survive in a world that views them as property. The drama kicks off when the Hawkins family purchases a used Synth, who is not who they think she is, leading to suspenseful consequences full of high stakes for their family life. It also explores how society treats Synths, drawing parallels to racism and sexism.
Humans is grounded and emotional in its otherworldly exploration of AI and consciousness in a near-future world, excelling at analyzing their social, moral, and familial impacts. Rather than focusing only on apocalyptic threats, the series hones in on one family’s daily interactions with their Synth. Fans of shows like Black Mirror and Westworld will love it for its much more intimate and character-driven look at technology.
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The Winter King
A less-fantastical version of Game of Thrones
I am always down for getting into a good fantasy series, especially if it revolves around the whole King Arthur-Merlin legend. Right now, you can stream 2023’s The Winter King, which reimagines the Arthurian legend from the perspective of a former warrior who narrates the series as an elderly monk.
A gritty adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles about King Arthur, the series is set in a brutal, war-torn Britain following the Roman withdrawal. The story details the obstacles and struggles Arthur Pendragon (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Iain De Caestecker) faces as he rises in rank from an outcast warlord to the leader and unifier of broken British kingdoms. With the Saxon forces invading through little resistance, Arthur must navigate treacherous political landscapes while also contending with his doomed romance with Guinevere (Hotel Costiera‘s Jordan Alexandra).
What’s so watch-worthy about this series is its structured framework as a chronicle of events told through flashbacks by former warrior-turned-monk Derfel (Rogue Heroes’ Stuart Campbell). It’s a genuinely compelling interpretation of a legendary time in history, so expect a super-dark, otherworldly portrayal of 5th-century Britain rife with plenty of power struggles, detailed battle scenes, bloody warfare, pagan rites, vengeance, and heavy, ornate royal robes.
The fun doesn’t stop here, though. No matter your genre interests, Prime Video has an excellent selection of shows to help you relax, unwind, and escape straight into another world. Despite the platform’s recent price hike, the subscription is still worth keeping for all the gems that just keep on coming in droves. Stay tuned, because more is in store, and we’re the ones who’ll always have you covered.
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