Gravitational slingshot


 * You may be looking for the slingshot effect, which is used to travel through time.

The gravitational slingshot is a method of utilizing the gravitational pull of a large interstellar body as a means of propulsion. This technique is achieved by flying in a steep parabolic partial orbit around the body. It often appears as if the object being propelled will crash into the body.

This technique was used in 2269 by Captain James T. Kirk in order to fool a malevolent entity into leaving the Enterprise. 

It was also used in 2366 by Captain Jean-Luc Picard to escape a booby-trapped asteroid field.