slingshotting
Rubber-band propelling motion
Slingshotting is using momentum or a boost to accelerate rapidly, like a stone released from a slingshot.
In space travel, spacecraft slingshot around planets, using gravitational pull to gain speed.
In racing and video games, slingshotting means drafting behind another vehicle then swinging out to pass: He was slingshotting past opponents on every straightaway.
Pull to extend
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- snapbackSudden return to position
- tensionStretched or strained state
pullback · band · release · springiness · resilience · latex · bungee · tensile
Siege engine for launching
- launchSet into motion
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
- trajectoryPath of moving object
- velocityDirected rate of motion
arc · momentum · thrust · release · acceleration · flightpath · parabola · projectile
Spacecraft trajectory boost via planet
- spacecraftVehicle for outer space
- flybyClose pass without landing
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- NASAFederal space exploration bureau
Voyager · trajectory · boost · planetary · maneuver · spaceflight · propulsion · velocity
Degree of correctness
- targetingSelecting as objective
- aimPurpose or direction
- bullseyeExact center target
- marksmanshipAccuracy in shooting
trajectory · calibration · alignment · sighting · zeroing · precision · focus · steadiness
Playful trick on someone
- troubleDifficulty or distress
- vandalismWillful property damage
- naughtyMildly disobedient
- misbehaviorImproper or unruly conduct
shenanigans · tomfoolery · sneaky · devious · rascality · devilry · misconduct · horseplay
stretch
Pull to extend
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- recoilBackward force from discharge
- snapbackSudden return to position
tension · pullback · band · release · springiness · resilience · latex · bungee · tensile · flexibility
catapult
Siege engine for launching
- launchSet into motion
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
- trajectoryPath of moving object
velocity · arc · momentum · thrust · release · acceleration · flightpath · parabola · projectile · force
gravity assist
Spacecraft trajectory boost via planet
- spacecraftVehicle for outer space
- flybyClose pass without landing
- accelerationRate velocity changes
NASA · Voyager · trajectory · boost · planetary · maneuver · spaceflight · propulsion · velocity · interplanetary
accuracy
Degree of correctness
marksmanship · trajectory · calibration · alignment · sighting · zeroing · precision · focus · steadiness · control
prank
Playful trick on someone
misbehavior · shenanigans · tomfoolery · sneaky · devious · rascality · devilry · misconduct · horseplay · roughhousing