Not an expert, but I’ve read it’s easiest to use jupiter to bleed off enough velocity to fall into our sun.

I’m sure DARPA probably already has research in this area.

The description is a bit off. Spensa was raised in caverns on an alien world and m-bot is (mild spoilers for skyward ahead) a ship’s ai on a starfighter that crashed long ago on that world. He is hesitant to leave is position and fly/fight due to his previous owners last orders.

It’s a great book and myself and my kids really enjoyed it, but I don’t think it’s the book OP is looking for.