Spacecraft navigation

Spacecraft navigation involves determining a spacecraft's position and trajectory in space to ensure it reaches its intended destination. This process uses various techniques, including celestial navigation (observing stars and planets), onboard sensors, and signals from Earth-based tracking stations. Spacecraft are equipped with instruments like gyroscopes and star trackers to maintain orientation. Mission control teams on Earth calculate and adjust the spacecraft's path, considering factors like gravitational influences and orbital mechanics. Successful navigation is crucial for missions, whether orbiting a planet, landing on the moon, or traveling to distant destinations like Mars.