Gravity-Assist Maneuvers
Gravity-assist maneuvers, also known as gravitational slingshots, are a spaceflight technique that uses the gravity of a planet or other celestial body to alter the trajectory and speed of a spacecraft. By carefully timing the spacecraft's approach and trajectory, it can gain or lose speed and change direction without expending any fuel. This technique has been used to send spacecraft to distant planets, such as the Voyager missions, and to explore the outer reaches of our solar system. Gravity-assist maneuvers are also used to return spacecraft to Earth, such as the Apollo missions. The technique is based on the conservation of momentum and energy, and requires precise calculations and planning to execute successfully.
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