What is a gravity assist?
Quick Answer
A gravity assist is a spaceflight maneuver that uses a planet’s gravity to change a spacecraft’s speed and direction. It helps missions save fuel and reach distant targets.
The Full Story
A gravity assist, also called a slingshot maneuver, happens when a spacecraft flies past a planet and borrows a small amount of the planet’s orbital energy. This can speed the spacecraft up, slow it down, or redirect it without using much propellant. The technique has been used by many famous missions, including Voyager 1, Voyager 2, and Cassini. It is one of the most important tools in interplanetary navigation and mission design.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"How spacecraft steal a little momentum from planets"
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