[steve-b]

How can space probes etc. use planets to slingshot to a higher speed (perhaps the MSM just reports wrong)? I understand using a planet to execute a turn, but increasing speed seems impossible, as gravity should have the same effect outbound as inbound.

The probe's "final" (i.e. when it's far enough away for the planet's gravity to become insignificant) inbound and outbound speeds relative to the planet are equal. However, what's important for slingshot trajectories is speed relative to the sun, which can be increased or decreased depending on how the probe's trajectory and the planet's orbit interact.

Of course, the momentum and energy don't appear out of nowhere -- the planet loses the same amount that the probe gains. The planet is a lot bigger, so the effect on its orbit is miniscule.

[concerned about politics]

Light waves are energy. Sound waves are energy. Heck, everything in our universe is energy vibrating at different speeds. Electrons are buzzing all over the place. There must be some way to tap it without blowing ourselves up. There has to be some way to manipulate it to our advantage. Somebody is bound to figure it out sooner or later.

[SampleMan]

Of course, the momentum and energy don't appear out of nowhere -- the planet loses the same amount that the probe gains. The planet is a lot bigger, so the effect on its orbit is miniscule.

We have got to get this information to the liberals quick. This could be the new "global warming", i.e. Man's threat to the entire solar system.

If we can get them really wound up about this (and thus otherwise distracted) we might be able to accomplish something here on this planet.