Editing Spaceflight (section)

=== Astrodynamics ===
{{Main|Orbital mechanics}}

Astrodynamics is the study of spacecraft trajectories, particularly as they relate to gravitational and propulsion effects. Astrodynamics allows for a spacecraft to arrive at its destination at the correct time without excessive propellant use. An [[orbital maneuvering system]] may be needed to maintain or change orbits.

Non-rocket orbital propulsion methods include [[solar sail]]s, [[magnetic sail]]s, [[Mini-magnetospheric plasma propulsion|plasma-bubble magnetic systems]], and using [[gravitational slingshot]] effects.

{{multiple image
 |direction = vertical
 |align     = right
 |width     = 200
 |image1    = Space Shuttle Atlantis in the sky on July 21, 2011, to its final landing.jpg
 |image2    = Keyhole capsule recovery.jpg
 |caption1  = Ionized gas trail from [[Space Shuttle|Shuttle]] reentry
 |caption2  = Recovery of [[Discoverer 14|Discoverer&nbsp;14]] return capsule by a [[C-119 Flying Boxcar|C-119]] airplane
}}