Question

Why is the gravitational slingshot important to space exploration?

Answer 1

Spacecraft used for space exploration must travel hundreds of millions of miles. They are also very heavy. Even the largest rockets fail to provide enough propulsion to the spacecraft. To overcome gravitational forces, a spacecraft has to travel with great speed. Gravitational slingshots help spacecraft gain velocity without using the extra fuel needed for rocket launches.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Each planet has an orbital speed travelling around the Sun. As the spacecraft approaches the planet, its gravity pulls the much lighter spacecraft so that it catches up with the planet in orbit. It's the orbital momentum from the planet which gives the spacecraft a tremendous speed boost.