gravity-assist technique

The gravity-assist technique, also known as a gravitational slingshot, is a maneuver used in spaceflight to alter the path and speed of a spacecraft. It utilizes the gravitational pull of a planet or other celestial body to slingshot the spacecraft, increasing or decreasing its velocity relative to the Sun. This technique conserves fuel by leveraging the natural forces of gravity, allowing spacecraft to achieve higher speeds or change direction more efficiently than through propulsion alone. It is a crucial method for interplanetary missions, enabling probes to reach distant parts of the solar system.1