What is a gravitational slingshot?

Quick Answer

A gravitational slingshot is a way spacecraft gain speed by flying past a planet or moon and using its gravity. The technique was used by missions like Voyager 1 and 2.

The Full Story

A gravitational slingshot, also called a gravity assist, is a maneuver in which a spacecraft steals a tiny amount of orbital energy from a planet or moon as it flies past. The spacecraft changes speed and direction without using extra fuel, making deep-space missions much more efficient. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 used gravity assists from Jupiter and Saturn in the late 1970s to reach the outer Solar System. The technique is now standard in mission planning, including for missions to Mercury, Jupiter, and beyond.

Key Facts

1.Voyager 1 launched in 1977 and used gravity assists from Jupiter and Saturn

2.The maneuver conserves momentum between the spacecraft and the planet

3.Gravity assists can save large amounts of rocket fuel

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