this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2023
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Weird comment. Lookism isn't cool, even if targeted at horrible and powerful people like Elon Musk. ~~Also, how would more mass/larger surface slow anything down in space where there is no air resistance/drag??~~
I was referencing his ego ("fat head"). Save the scolding for your undoubtedly large collection of cats.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/fathead
In common North American usage “fat head” and “big head” imply hubris or pride, as well.
More mass needs more energy to accelerate or decelerate. If you change the object's mass without changing thrust (I guess sail size here), it will definitely take more time to get there.
Ah OK, so mass is important but surface isn't, right?
In case of a solar sail however, surface is important.
That's right!