Aerobraking
Aerobraking is a spaceflight maneuver that uses the frictional force of a planet's atmosphere to slow down a spacecraft. This technique is used to reduce the velocity of a spacecraft so that it can enter into orbit around a planet or moon. During aerobraking, the spacecraft is oriented so that its heat shield is facing the direction of travel, and it is flown through the upper atmosphere of the planet or moon. The frictional force of the atmosphere causes the spacecraft to slow down, and the heat shield protects it from burning up due to the high temperatures generated by the atmospheric drag. Aerobraking can be used to save fuel and reduce the cost of a mission, as it allows a spacecraft to use the planet's atmosphere as a brake instead of relying solely on its own propulsion system.
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