Michael Minovitch

Michael Minovitch is a mathematician and aerospace engineer, best known for his significant contribution to the concept of gravity assist maneuvers in spaceflight. In the early 1960s, while working as a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Minovitch developed the mathematical theory behind gravity assist, also known as the gravitational slingshot effect.

His work was a breakthrough in space mission planning. Before Minovitch’s contribution, space missions were largely restricted by the limits of direct propulsion, making distant planetary missions extremely challenging and fuel intensive. Minovitch’s theory showed how spacecraft could use the gravity of planets to change their speed and trajectory, thereby enabling more efficient interplanetary travel.

This website is of huge historical importance.  Working on the design was a privilege.

When considering the concept, we wanted it to be minimal so that the imagery of Minovitch in his career and inventions was front and center.  Details of his patents needed to be shared, so a few key patents were featured, and the rest were included in a catalog that is viewable right on the website and available for download.  In addition, we created a very basic logo with Michael’s name to bring a clean branding message.