Gravity Slingshot: How One Grad Student's Insight Launched Interplanetary Exploration

Never underestimate the power of (what may appear to be) Crazy thinking
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However, Rosetta and all other space missions also have many complex, hard-to-see aspects as well, such as the math and mechanics of deep-space astrodynamics and navigation.

The voyages of these spacecraft are possible only through the use of gravity assist for their propulsion. This exploits gravitational attraction between the spacecraft and nearby planets (and even the sun) to catapult or "slingshot" the vehicle as it travels, all without the need for rocket-based propulsion or fuel.

Without the slingshot boost, a spacecraft could not reach its destination without traveling for many additional years, assuming it could reach ever its goal, itself is a fast-moving target. In-flight rocket-based propulsion is not an option, since the amount of fuel needed would be prohibitive.

While the slingshot is now considered to be a standard--even a routine maneuver--its history shows how one person literally changed the course of spacecraft travel and exploration of our solar system.
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