gravitational assists

Gravitational assists, also known as gravity slingshots, are maneuvers used by spacecraft to gain speed and change direction by passing close to a planet or moon. As the spacecraft approaches the celestial body, it’s pulled in by gravity, increasing its velocity. When it flies past, it exits with more speed than it had initially, effectively stealing a little of the planet’s orbital energy. This technique allows spacecraft to save fuel and travel more efficiently across the solar system, enabling missions to reach distant destinations more quickly and with less fuel consumption.