In your example of the train, the force that overcomes gravity to levitate the train is not generated by magnetic repulsion of the train against the earth, but rather against the rail above which the train rides, which contains strong sequenced electromagnets to generate both the lifting force and the propelling force. In space, there's no nearby "rail" to push against.
George, KA3HSW
-----Original Message-----
From: Marc Vermeersch amvm@skynet.be Sent: Feb 21, 2007 12:55 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Could we raise orbit thru magnetorque?
All,
So why is the maglev principle (magnetic levitation) http://www.google.be/search?hl=nl&q=maglev&meta= not applicable in space?
Magnetic levitation applied to trains generates an upward force equal and opposite to the earth's gravitation.
BR,
//\arc