How to slingshot your spacecraft infographic
You can use any gravitational source, a planet, a star, or even a blackhole, to DOUBLE your speed, like a slingshot!
This is called "gravity assist" because you use the gravitational field and movement of a planet to add velocity to your own.
The cool part is: it's FREE!
Just make sure to not get too close...
You can also use gravity assist to DECELERATE your spacecraft -for free-.
Instead of traveling "behind" the planet, relative to it's motion in space, you travel in front of the planet. This way the planets gravity diminishes your forward speed.
This is called "gravity assist" because you use the gravitational field and movement of a planet to add velocity to your own.
The cool part is: it's FREE!
Just make sure to not get too close...
You can also use gravity assist to DECELERATE your spacecraft -for free-.
Instead of traveling "behind" the planet, relative to it's motion in space, you travel in front of the planet. This way the planets gravity diminishes your forward speed.
From Visually.
