Sling-Back Trajectory

Background
Freighters and other long-haul space craft use a sling-back trajectory to save propellant and reduce expense when transiting between star systems. This type of gravity assist maneuver uses the relative movement and gravity of a planet or other astronomical object to alter the path and speed of the space craft.

A typical sling-back trajectory requires 3 cycles to complete, providing enough time to offload and then onload freight and passengers.

Upon entering a planetary system a space craft has an established planetary drop-in detachment zone in which to drop cargo and passengers. Once in the sling-back maneuver detachment is prohibited.

After the sling-back trajectory has been achieved, there is an established reconnection zone where the space craft can pick-up outbound freight and passengers on its way out of the system.