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 probeslet's hear it for brains over brawn! Ready for the next challenge facing STARDUST engineers? |