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Digital Lab Mission Training Be a Spacecraft Engineer

STARDUST's Trajectory

Excellent answer! By launching the spacecraft now on a three-orbit trajectory, using the Earth's gravity to slingshot the spacecraft toward the rendezvous point, you'll use minimal fuel and keep the cost of the mission low.

For a better view of the trajectory, watch this QuickTime animation (opens in a new window).

This type of trajectory is common for NASA probes—let's hear it for brains over brawn!

Ready for the next challenge facing STARDUST engineers?

Trajectory Option C