Gravity Assist Maneuver

A gravity assist maneuver, also known as a gravity sling, is a space navigation technique that uses a planet’s gravitational pull to change a spacecraft’s speed and direction. By flying close to a planet, the spacecraft gains or loses momentum, effectively "borrowing" energy from the planet's gravity without using additional fuel. This allows the spacecraft to reach distant destinations more efficiently, saving fuel and time. Gravity assists have been crucial for missions to outer planets, making deep-space exploration feasible with current technology.