Gravitational Slingshot (Gravity Assist)

Explore orbital mechanics by launching a probe to fly by a massive planet. Time the encounter perfectly to gain energy and reach escape velocity! Aligned to NGSS HS-ESS1-4.

Time: 0.00 years
Probe Velocity (v)
0.00 AU/yr
Max Velocity
0.00 AU/yr
Escape Status
Bound

Mission Control

Planet Mass (M_Jup) 1.0 M_J

Mass of the encountering planet relative to Jupiter.

Probe Launch Velocity (v₀) 4.0 AU/yr

Initial speed of the probe from Earth (1 AU).

Planet Start Angle (θ) 45°

Initial position of the planet on its orbit. Key for timing!

Flight Log

Trial v₀ θ (deg) v_max Escaped?