Lucy Spacecraft Will Slingshot Around Earth

The Lucy spacecraft is a NASA mission that is set to launch in October 2021. Its primary objective is to study the Trojan asteroids, which are a group of asteroids that share the same orbit as Jupiter. These asteroids are believed to be remnants from the early days of our solar system and hold important clues about its formation.

To reach the Trojan asteroids, Lucy will utilize a gravity assist maneuver known as a slingshot around Earth. This involves using Earth's gravity to increase the spacecraft's velocity and change its trajectory. By carefully timing the slingshot, Lucy will be able to gain the necessary speed and direction to reach its destination.

During its journey, Lucy will perform flybys of several asteroids, including a main belt asteroid in 2025 and seven Trojan asteroids between 2027 and 2033. These flybys will allow the spacecraft to collect valuable data about the composition, structure, and history of these asteroids.

Lucy is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments, including cameras and spectrometers, which will enable detailed observations of the asteroids. The data collected by Lucy will help scientists better understand the formation and evolution of our solar system, as well as provide insights into the origins of life on Earth.

Overall, the slingshot around Earth is a crucial maneuver for the Lucy spacecraft to reach its target destination and fulfill its mission of exploring the Trojan asteroids.