/sci/ - Science & Math

Just watch gravity - (probably dumb) question for you guys

The earths magnetic field extends pretty far into space right?

Would it be possible to use rotating magnets or some electromagnet kind of like a "magnetic sail" as propulsion eliminating the need for some sort of mass to push off of?

>magnets

Don't read ahead if you haven't seen Gravity.

In the scene where Sandra Bullock's foot is tangled up in the parachute cords, while she's holding on to Clooney's character, what force is pulling Clooney away from her? Why does she even have to let go of him if she's already stopped his acceleration?