On what does gravity assist depend? (possibly with sources)

  • #1
renobueno
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Hey guys, I am preparing for a presentation about gravity assist and I cant find much information about this topic. Ive gone already through wikipedia but wikipedia only talks about the velocity change. What are other factors which could have affects on the gravity assist?

Like I assume the velocity of the probe is important and perhaps even the angle of attack. But I couldnt explain why.

Hope you can help me out! I've searching for valuable sources for the past 6h but couldnt find something between oversimplified and raw physics degree. :(
 
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  • #2
It is just a velocity change, though, isn't it? Looking at the planet and the probe, they just loop round each other in a hyperbolic orbit, and they both change speed and direction (the probe more than the planet, due to the mass ratio). You just set up the approach to the planet so the exit speed of the probe is faster with respect to the Sun (or slower, whichever you were going for).

What education level are you supposed to be presenting at?
 
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  • #3
If you read this Wikipedia article, what, specifically, are you asking for?
 
  • #4
A key aspect to explain is why you need to pass behind the planet to gain velocity in the planet's direction but in front of it to gain velocity the other way.
Can you find an argument for that?
 
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FAQ: On what does gravity assist depend? (possibly with sources)

What is gravity assist and how does it work?

Gravity assist, also known as a slingshot maneuver, is a technique used by spacecraft to gain speed and alter their trajectory by passing close to a planet or other celestial body. The spacecraft essentially "borrows" some of the planet's momentum, which allows it to accelerate without using additional fuel. This is achieved by carefully planning the spacecraft's path so that it enters and exits the gravitational field of the planet in such a way that it gains energy from the planet's orbital motion around the Sun.

On what factors does the effectiveness of a gravity assist depend?

The effectiveness of a gravity assist depends on several factors, including the relative velocity of the spacecraft and the planet, the mass of the planet, the distance of the closest approach (periapsis), and the angle at which the spacecraft approaches and exits the planet's gravitational field. The larger the planet and the closer the approach, the more significant the gravitational influence and the greater the potential change in the spacecraft's velocity and trajectory.

How does the relative velocity between the spacecraft and the planet influence the gravity assist maneuver?

The relative velocity between the spacecraft and the planet is crucial for a successful gravity assist. A higher relative velocity allows the spacecraft to gain more kinetic energy from the planet's motion. The direction of the spacecraft's approach also matters; approaching the planet in the direction of its orbit can increase the spacecraft's speed, while approaching against the direction of the planet's orbit can decrease its speed.

Why is the mass of the planet important in a gravity assist maneuver?

The mass of the planet is important because it determines the strength of the gravitational field that the spacecraft will encounter. A more massive planet has a stronger gravitational pull, which can provide a more significant acceleration or deceleration to the spacecraft. For example, Jupiter, being the most massive planet in our solar system, is often used for gravity assists to provide substantial boosts to spacecraft on their way to the outer solar system.

Can gravity assists be used to decelerate a spacecraft, and if so, how?

Yes, gravity assists can be used to decelerate a spacecraft. This is achieved by approaching the planet in a way that the spacecraft's trajectory is altered to reduce its speed relative to its initial path. By flying in the opposite direction of the planet's orbital motion, the spacecraft can lose kinetic energy, effectively slowing down. This technique is useful for missions that require the spacecraft to enter orbit around a planet or to rendezvous with another celestial body.

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