| Michael A. Minovitch | |
| Nationality: | American |
| Fields: | Mathematics |
| Alma Mater: | University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles |
| Thesis Title: | Mathematical Methods for the Design of Gravity Thrust Space Trajectories |
| Thesis Year: | 1970 |
| Doctoral Advisor: | Shoshichi Kobayashi |
| Known For: | Calculating spacecraft trajectories |
Michael Andrew Minovitch (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.
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.
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.[2] [3]
Minovitch patented a vehicle for space travel under the patent title Magnetic propulsion system and operating method, US Patent 6193194 B1.