Starships

This site describes the planetary swing-by or slingshot effect of boosting the energy of a space vehicle using a close encounter with a planet or other body. The author uses an analogy of a ping-pong ball and paddle to simplify the math involved and goes on to cite several examples of the planetary swing-by, including the Voyager and Pioneer missions. He then explains how these gravity assist maneuvers could be used to visit the stars and includes a link to another site that compares the planetary swing-by to the Pelton Turbine. Educational levels: High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division