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Path: utzoo!watmath!wateng!watale!wpallen
From: wpallen@watale.UUCP (Warren P. Allen @ U of Waterloo X 2522)
Newsgroups: net.physics
Subject: slingshot effect
Message-ID: <2358@watale.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 11-Nov-85 20:02:33 EST
Article-I.D.: watale.2358
Posted: Mon Nov 11 20:02:33 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 12-Nov-85 04:01:50 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario
Lines: 12

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

I understand this effect is used not only to change the
trajectory of the craft, but also its *speed*.

I know it has to do with angular momentum, but *how* is the
planet's momentum transfered to the space craft?

PS. keep it simple if possible..

thanx