You chose to wait until the comet is closest to Earth, then launch the spacecraft on a direct trajectory to the rendezvous. That may seem fast and efficientbut the spacecraft would have to travel very quickly to cover such a distance but in fact it uses much more fuel than is necessary. Look over the other trajectories below and try again! |
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Option
A: Launch: 1999 Trajectory: Direct, to rendezvous with the comet on its closest approach to Earth |
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Option C: Launch: 1999 Trajectory: Three orbits around the sun, twice using the Earth's gravity to slingshot the spacecraft to the rendezvous point. |