Gravity assist, also known as a slingshot maneuver or gravitational slingshot, is a technique used in space missions to harness the gravitational pull of planets or other celestial bodies to gain speed and alter the trajectory of a spacecraft. By strategically utilizing the gravity of a massive object, such as a planet, scientists can take advantage of the object's orbital velocity to propel a spacecraft to higher speeds or redirect its path. The fundamental principle behind the gravity assist i