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From: slerner@sesame.UUCP (Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner)
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Re: slingshot effect
Message-ID: <403@sesame.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 18-Nov-85 23:29:01 EST
Article-I.D.: sesame.403
Posted: Mon Nov 18 23:29:01 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 21-Nov-85 21:32:46 EST
References: <2360@watale.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Lotus Development Corp
Lines: 22

> 
> Can anyone explain to me (in 250 words or less) the famed
> 'slingshot' effect that is used to accelerate space probes?

I am not going to go into full detail, but it has to due with the
loss of mass from doing an engine burn in the gravity well.  You
gain speed from falling, loose mass from the burn, and loose less
speed going out than coming in (assuming you stay out of atmosphere)
since your mass is down.

'nuff said!

-- 
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Simcha-Yitzchak Lerner

              {genrad|ihnp4|ima}!wjh12!talcott!sesame!slerner
                      {cbosgd|harvard}!talcott!sesame!slerner
                       talcott!sesame!slerner@harvard.ARPA