Momentum problem (motion of a system of particles?) Slingshot around moon

AI Thread Summary
NASA utilizes gravitational slingshots around celestial bodies to increase the speed of spacecraft without direct contact. This process involves the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, allowing the probe to gain velocity as it interacts with the planet's gravity. Understanding these principles is crucial for analyzing the mechanics of such maneuvers. Resources like the provided link can offer further insights into the calculations involved. Gravitational assists are a key technique in space exploration for efficient travel to distant destinations.
demerdar
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NASA often uses the gravity of a planet to slingshot a probe on its way to a more distant planet. The interaction of the planet and the spacecraft is a collision in which the objects do not touch. How can the probe have its speed increased in this manner?

This problem confuses me, I want to use the conservation of momentum, but I can't really set it up, if I'm even going in the right direction. I could use some help with this problem. Thanks.
 
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Welcome to PF!

You are on the right lines with momentum, but you also need to use conservation of kinetic energy.

This page is very useful;
http://www.mathpages.com/home/kmath114.htm

-Hoot
 
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