Michael A. Minovitch | |
---|---|
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles |
Known for | Calculating spacecraft trajectories |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Mathematics |
Thesis | Mathematical Methods for the Design of Gravity Thrust Space Trajectories (1970) |
Doctoral advisor | Shoshichi Kobayashi |
Michael Andrew Minovitch (c. 1936 - 16 September 2022)[1] was an American mathematician who developed gravity assist technique when he was a UCLA graduate student and working summers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.[2][3]
In 1961 Minovitch began using the fastest available computer at the time, the IBM 7090, to solve the three-body problem. He ran simulations and developed his own solution by 1962.[1]
The first mission to use a gravity assist was Pioneer 10, which increased its velocity from 52,000 km/h to 132,000 km/h as it passed by Jupiter in December, 1973.[4][5]
Minovitch patented a vehicle for space travel under the patent title Magnetic propulsion system and operating method, US Patent 6193194 B1.