PBS Space Time Season 2015 Episode 6 Can a Starfox Barrel Roll Work in Space?

As a popular video game franchise from Nintendo, fans of the Starfox series have always been mesmerized by the barrel rolls performed by the game's protagonist, Fox McCloud. But can the same move be performed in space? In this episode of PBS Space Time from season 2015, titled "Can a Starfox Barrel Roll Work in Space?", host Gabe Perez-Giz and co-host Matt O'Dowd delve into this exciting topic and explore the physics behind it.

The show begins by explaining that the barrel roll is essentially a rotation around the longitudinal axis of an object, like a plane or a fox-shaped spacecraft. The crew then goes on to discuss the science of rotational inertia, which is the tendency of objects to resist changes in their rotation. They explain that in space, rotational inertia is crucial because there is no air or other forces to counteract the rotational motion of an object. The episode provides clear visuals of the difference between a barrel roll in Earth's atmosphere compared to space.

Next, the discussion moves to the topic of conservation of angular momentum, which states that the total angular momentum of an object remains constant unless it's affected by an external force. The hosts explain that a spacecraft can change its angular momentum by adjusting its velocity, changing its mass distribution, and the thrust direction from its engines.

The discussion then takes a more practical turn, with the co-hosts exploring the possible applications of the barrel roll maneuver in space. They explain that barrel rolls and other similar maneuvers can be used to redistribute fuel and to adjust the path of a spacecraft without using propulsion. They also discuss how a spacecraft like the Starfox Arwing could use a barrel roll maneuver to avoid incoming asteroids or enemy fire.

The episode also touches upon the subject of how rotating objects or spinning spacecraft can cause dizziness and nausea for astronauts, which can prove disastrous during long space missions. The hosts further discuss the importance of rotational stability for space vehicles, and how a tiny rotational imbalance can lead to a catastrophic failure.

The hosts also highlight the various challenges and dangers involved in performing a barrel roll in space. They explain that the maneuver would require careful coordination of engines and thrusters, and that a mistake during the roll could cause the spacecraft to spin out of control or lose stability. The episode further explores how the lack of gravity and the absence of air resistance in the vacuum of space can throw off a spacecraft's orientation, which can make it more challenging to execute a roll.

Finally, the episode wraps up by offering some intriguing insights into the future of space exploration and the role of barrel rolls and other similar maneuvers in spaceflight. It explores how the science behind these maneuvers can be harnessed to make space travel more efficient, cost-effective, and safer. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying physics of space travel and encouraging viewers to support space exploration and scientific research.

In conclusion, the PBS Space Time episode "Can a Starfox Barrel Roll Work in Space?" is an informative and entertaining exploration of the physics behind this beloved video game maneuver. With its engaging visuals, clear explanations, and practical applications, the episode will captivate fans of Starfox and space exploration alike.