XPost: sci.space.tech   
   From: jmccaule1@spamless.org   
      
   Living in deep space presents any number of problems, but one of the more   
   serious ones is the lack of gravity on small bodies like asteroids and comet   
   cores.  One idea might be to nudge two bodies on mutual intercept courses   
   with a very small net delta vee between them.  When they get close enough,   
   throw a line from one to the other and secure it with shock-absorbing   
   arrangements on both ends.  With carefully chosen parameters and a bit of   
   fiddling, the two should go into an eventually circular orbit around a   
   common center of mass.  If there is a marked difference in the relative   
   masses, each will have a unique gravity gradient induced by centrifugal   
   force.   
      
   Of course, if the objects are rubble piles, it will be necessary to build   
   net bags around them first, with anchor points on each bag.   
      
   Many twiddly bits here, of course, starting with the parameters for   
   rendezvous.  Not only will they have to be put into close proximity to one   
   another, but their relative spins will have to be brought to a reasonably   
   close match for the arresting gear to manage without becoming overstressed   
   or hopelessly twisted.   
      
   This can't be an original idea.  Has work been done on this already?   
   References appreciated!   
      
      
   Jim McCauley   
      
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