The slingshot effect is an intriguing phenomenon that has been used effectively by NASA to send spacecraft to outer edges of the solar system. This phenomenon can be satisfactorily explained by Newtonian physics. However, if it is presented as a problem involving four-momentum conservation, the methods of relativistic kinematics easily lead to the conditions necessary for an accelerating as well as a retarding scenario. This problem provides an example that showcases the frequent utility of relativistic methods to analyze problems of Newtonian mechanics.
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A list of planetary missions that have used gravity assist can be found at 〈http://bbs.cshs.tcc.edu.tw/geology/star/chinese/nineplanets/spacecraft.html〉.
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This slowing of the craft occurs in the Sun frame and would not be useful for the purpose of landing on the planet.
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© 2004 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2004
American Association of Physics Teachers
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