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'''Slingshot effect''' is accelerating of an object that travels through the universe by other objects of the universe transferring their momentum to the traveling object through gravitational interaction with it.  

The '''slingshot effect''' is an effect where an object that travels through the universe can be [[acceleration|accelerated]] by other objects,  by transferring some their [[momentum (physics)|momentum]] to the traveling object through [[gravity|gravitational]] interaction with it.<ref>[https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/basics/primer/ A Gravity Assist Primer] from solarsystem.nasa.gov</ref> This is often used by [[spacecraft]] as it reduces the fuel they require. When a probe is passing a planet in direction of movement of this [[planet]], the gravitational interaction between the probe and the planet accelerates the probe (pushes the probe forward) and the probe gains [[kinetic energy]] during the encounter with the planet. This results in an increase in the probe's [[speed]] without using any fuel. Similarly if the probe passes behind the planet, it will be slowed down.

E.g. when cosmic probe is passing a planet in direction of movement of this planet the gravitational interaction between the probe and the planet accelerates the probe (pushes the probe forward) and the probe gains kinetic energy during the encounter with the planet.

The slingshot effect is used in practice to put cosmic probes on higher [[orbit]]s but can also be used to push them out of the [[Solar system]]. An example of this is the [[Voyager 1]] mission. When used to alter the orbit of a spacecraft, the manoeuvre is called a gravity assist.

[[Category:Astronomy]]

[[Category:Astronomy]]

[[Category:Physics]]

[[Category:Physics]]