Product Description
In orbital mechanics and aerospace engineering, a gravitational slingshot, gravity assist or swing-by is the use of the relative movement and gravity of a planet or other celestial body to alter the path and speed of a spacecraft, typically in order to save fuel, time, and expense. Gravity assist can be used to decelerate or accelerate a spacecraft. The “assist” is provided by the motion (orbital angular momentum) of the planet as it pulls on the spacecraft. The sit… More >>