Aerocapture

Aerocapture is a space navigation technique where a spacecraft uses the friction and energy of a planet's atmosphere to slow down and enter orbit without needing large amounts of fuel. As the spacecraft passes through the atmosphere, it experiences aerodynamic drag, which reduces its speed and allows it to be captured into orbit efficiently. This approach conserves spacecraft fuel and enables more flexible mission designs, especially for exploring planets or moons with thick atmospheres like Mars or Venus. Properly executed aerocapture requires precise timing and control to safely harness atmospheric forces without damaging the spacecraft.