Question about free returns

[Shadow Addict]

Is any slingshot around a planet that brings the spacecraft back to the starting planet considered a free return trajectory?

 

[Tommy]

I think that suits the definition. I know there are some free return possibilities for Mars coming up around 2022, and I don't think they use the "figure 8" trajectory used by apollo.

 

[agentgonzo]

I would say so. Free return means you 'return' to the starting place for 'free', ie without having to do anything [significant].

 

[the.punk]

Yes. I also would say that a freereturn trajectory is a trajectory with a sling around an object and then returning to the maijor planet with one burn.