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Not necessarily. While it is true that gravity is an inverse square relationship with distance, making closeness an important factor, mass is also important, so, for example, if two planets were in the vicinity of a spacecraft, gravity would depend on both mass and distance. Yes, distance is a squared factor, but if one planet were very much larger than the other, it could easily win out, even if it were further away.

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12y ago
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5mo ago

Yes, gravity acts between any two objects with mass, so a spacecraft will be pulled towards the nearest planet due to its gravitational force. However, the spacecraft's own velocity also plays a role in determining its trajectory and whether it will achieve orbit around the planet or continue on a path through space.

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Q: Does gravity always pull a spacecraft towards the nearest planet?
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