This ... A common misconception occurs between centre of mass and centre of gravity. They are defined in similar ways but are not exactly the same quantity.

When you search up in google gravity assist formula, it comes up with the simplest version: Which means that: Final velocity = Initial velocity + 2 (velocity of the planet) Then if we do some more research we get a formula that takes into account the angle of approach. swing-by or slingshot, is a fuel-efficient method to change your craft's speed and heading using the orbital velocity and gravity of a satellite … A gravity assist, a.k.a. List of equations in gravitation. From this simple calculation, we see that v(out)-v(in) = 2v-1.4v = 0.6v. $\begingroup$ This does gives a good picture of how to approach this, however the OP asks about the maths involved, so maybe add the equations which relate the eccentricity/periapsis of the escape trjectory to the deflection angle of the velocity relative to the planet. Jump to navigation Jump to search.

The spacecraft thus gained 60% of the planet’s velocity after the gravity assist, adding to its own. Gravitational assist in celestial mechanics—a tutorial James A. In planning certain types of trajectories of spacecraft within the solar system, engineers rely on a technique called gravitational assist, or gravity assist. Van Allen Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1479 ~Received 11 June 2002; accepted 27 November 2002!