Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site watale.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!wateng!watale!wpallen From: wpallen@watale.UUCP (Warren P. Allen @ U of Waterloo X 2522) Newsgroups: net.space Subject: slingshot effect Message-ID: <2360@watale.UUCP> Date: Mon, 11-Nov-85 20:05:40 EST Article-I.D.: watale.2360 Posted: Mon Nov 11 20:05:40 1985 Date-Received: Tue, 12-Nov-85 04:02:02 EST Distribution: net Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario Lines: 13 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