Have mathematicians found a cheap and easy way to get to Mars? New theory plots route to use the red planet's gravity …

Current missions use rocket to slow themselves as they approach planets New, slower mission would be gradually 'grabbed' by martian gravity Wouldadd several months to mission - but make it cheaper Theory used in 1990 to put stricken Japanese probe into moon's orbit

By Mark Prigg for MailOnline

Published: 19:56 EST, 23 December 2014 | Updated: 20:11 EST, 23 December 2014

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Traditional missions to Mars involve large rockets for both blasting off and slowing down.

However, researchers believe there may be a simpler, cheaper way.

Rather than blasting to the red planet and using rockets to slow themselves down, future craft could simply use planetary gravity fields to 'drift' into the Martian atmosphere.

Called ballistic capture, the new method could help open the Martian frontier for more robotic missions, future manned expeditions and even colonization efforts, researchers say - and even Nasa is interested.

Original post:
Have mathematicians found a cheap and easy way to get to Mars? New theory plots route to use the red planet's gravity ...