slingshot maneuver
Planetary speed boost
A slingshot maneuver is a spacecraft trajectory that uses a planet's gravitational pull to gain speed or change direction without expending fuel.
The craft approaches a planet, swings around it, and exits with altered velocity—like a stone whipped from a sling.
Also called a gravity assist: Voyager used a slingshot maneuver around Jupiter to reach Saturn.
- gravityMutual mass attraction
- gravity assistSpacecraft trajectory boost via planet
- assistTo give support
- spacecraftVehicle for outer space
- space probeRobotic interplanetary research vessel
orbit · orbital mechanics · velocity · swing · trajectory · momentum · catapult · NASA · Voyager · planet · outer planets · acceleration · boost · speed boost · flyby · propulsion · interplanetary · whip
slingshot maneuverpowered flight
Aircraft movement via engines
rocket propulsion · rocket burn · nuclear propulsion · solar sail
sling, shot, slingshots, slings, slinging, slung, slinger, shots, shooting