How to Perform a Gravity Assist

This video shows you how to produce a gravity assist maneuver. Some of the momentum of a steel ball rolling on the four-way stretch fabric is transferred to a plastic marble with the result that the marble’s speed increases.

A lot of orbital phenomena can be experienced with this simple, physical model of space-time. Check out Dan Burns’ video below to see some of the other things you can do with the model.

Make one of these space-time simulators and experience it yourself. It’s a bit challenging getting the timing right to have the marble pass near the steel ball. But when you do and the marble goes flying off the fabric, it’s exciting to see and think about how we do with this spacecraft to reach the planets in our solar system.

Dan Burns - Gravity Visualized

Cassini-Huygens spacecraft

Cassini-Huygens trajectory

[ThePaintballernick]

Now I get it. I'll be able to launch more efficient missions in KSP

[delta]

the only video that shows exactly how it works. All videos just shows animations and clips that doesn't show the real effects of gravity assist. this was really good

[kman]

Probably the best explanation of a gravity assist I have ever seen

[TCBYEAHCUZ]

What's incredible is that the little orange ball actually stole some of the momentum of the bigger ball, even though the mass difference is enormous.

[daftmihty]

The simplicity is amazing but the actual engineering and maths behind doing this in real life is astounding complicated

[susq_]

i thought that it only changes the direction of the spacecraft lol thanks for explanation

btw i'm a ksp player

[armandoragusaucyz.]

This is simply incredible!! Thank you so much, finally get it!!!

[lilapela]

0:00 took only 3 seconds to demonstrate it, excellent

[diakounknown]

I have feeling I was recommended this because of Perseverance. This is cool

[adityakausadikar]

Very simple and yet makes it easy to understand the complex concept. 👍

[flymousechiu]

"... And besides, it worked in KSP."

[uss_]

To Wife; “I’m gonna need some PVC and a spandex sheet this big for a YouTube video”

[Matthew-junk]

I have never fully understood this concept until now. This was a very good demonstration! Thanks!

[ntign]

Thank you. Years of KSP and Scott Manley prepared me for watching this - and now it's like the keystone was added to my minds framework of how gravity assists work.. I think I finally begin to understand it :)

[polifemo]

he timed it BY HAND. He's coordination is something else

[goranthoren]

Great to see it visualized in this way, really clear! Thanks!

[Arthur_da_dog]

Holly crap this makes so much more sense now! The directional change near the large ball changes the how much the small ball is affected by it's gravity.

[greatunclestroller]

A simple demonstration towards a new way of thinking

[TehJojoBeans]

Thank you, YouTube recommendation algorithm.

[souzadp]

Very well made !! Congrats !! Great demo