I am imagining a stable orbit pattern something like this. ![Looping orbit_0.jpg Looping orbit_0.jpg](https://cdn.orbiter-forum.com/data/attachments/11/11406-832c37f3685c3c23812d423fe689e32a.jpg)
The large object might be a plant (as labelled) or a star.
The small object might be a space craft (as labelled) or a natural satellite.
The orbiting object makes an almost complete orbit at highspeed near the closest point and then makes a long comet like loop far out into space.
Does orbital mechanics permit something like this?
It would be o.k. for my purposes (perhaps even desirable) if the long loops orientation slowly precesses over multiple cycles.
I vaguely remember seeing a potential energy simulator many years ago that suggested such things were possible. I can find no trace of it now.
Both answers in principle and possibly mathematical solutions welcome.
![Looping orbit_0.jpg Looping orbit_0.jpg](https://cdn.orbiter-forum.com/data/attachments/11/11406-832c37f3685c3c23812d423fe689e32a.jpg)
The large object might be a plant (as labelled) or a star.
The small object might be a space craft (as labelled) or a natural satellite.
The orbiting object makes an almost complete orbit at highspeed near the closest point and then makes a long comet like loop far out into space.
Does orbital mechanics permit something like this?
It would be o.k. for my purposes (perhaps even desirable) if the long loops orientation slowly precesses over multiple cycles.
I vaguely remember seeing a potential energy simulator many years ago that suggested such things were possible. I can find no trace of it now.
Both answers in principle and possibly mathematical solutions welcome.