Using Stellar Parallax for Autonomous Spacecraft Navigation
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology - Awareness in the fields of Space (Spacecraft Navigation, Deep Space Missions, Telescopes/Missions); General Science (Basic Astronomy - Parallax).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T): Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Awareness in the fields of Space; Achievements of Indians in science & technology (while this is a US study, the principles are relevant to ISRO's future deep space missions).
Key Highlights from the News
Scientists successfully tested a new simple method that helps spacecraft determine their direction autonomously in deep space without Earth's assistance.
Currently, systems similar to Earth's GPS are not available in space. Therefore, spacecraft are controlled via Earth-based centers like NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). This method has limitations as the distance increases.
The new method is based on the astronomical principle of Stellar Parallax.
This experiment was conducted by using the New Horizons spacecraft and Earth as two different observation points (like two eyes) to measure the change in position of nearby stars like Proxima Centauri and Wolf 359.
Using this method, the spacecraft's position could be calculated very accurately.
This technology will be very beneficial for future interstellar and intergalactic missions (interstellar travel).
Pulsar navigation (direction determination using pulsars) is another innovative concept in this field.
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