3 ms·
I'm puzzled by the requirement for an alignment. It seems one could gravity assist in arbitrary directions though it might take longer. But should still end u
by foobarian 6y ago
I'm puzzled by the requirement for an alignment. It seems one could gravity assist in arbitrary directions though it might take longer. But should still end up with a similar energy gain.
- Jeff_Brown 6y agoThe gravity assist works by transferring some of the planet's momentum to the craft, and that momentum has a direction, not just an amount.